外研版高中英语必修三Module 5 Reading
Philosophers of Ancient China
Ancient China was a place where
states were often at war with each other. But it
was also a time when there were many great philosophers. Confucius (551 BC–479
BC) is the philosopher whose influence has been
the greatest. He stressed the importance of kindness, duty and order in society. Chinese
society was influenced by these ideas for more than 2,000 years.
Mencius was a thinker whose teachings were
very similar to those of Confucius. Mencius was
born in 372 BC. His father died when he was young, and he was brought up by his mother. He became
a student of Confucius's ideas, and was then given an important position in the government of a
state. However, when he saw that the ruler was not following his advice, he
resigned. For many years he travelled from state to state, teaching the principles of
Confucius. He then became an adviser to another ruler. He
spent his last years preparing a book of his teachings called The Book of
Mencius. Mencius believed that the reason why man is different from animals
is that man is good. He taught that if the government was kind, then people
would be good. He believed that people were more important than rulers, and
hated the state when it treated people badly.
Mozi was another teacher who was very influential. Born in 476 BC, he came
from a family which was very poor. He became famous for his unusual clothes and
behaviour. Mozi founded the philosophy called Mohism. In some
ways, his beliefs were similar to those of Confucius. For example, he
considered that government was most important. As a result, he spent many years
trying to find a state where people would follow his teachings. Mozi believed
that all men were equal. His idea of love was different from the
Confucian idea of kindness. Mozi taught that we
should love all human beings and look after
those who are weaker than ourselves. He hated the idea of war. Mozi died in 390
BC.
温馨提示：答案为网友推荐，仅供参考