What is the human predicament, or problem, according to Confucianism? How do we, as humans, move towards perfect harmony, both individually, and within society? Do you agree with the Confucian idea that individual perfection can only be achieved within a community? In your own life, how have your relationships with family or friends positively or negatively impacted your own internal growth as an individual?

In the Confucian Analects, there is the following saying: “The Master said, ‘Enough! I have yet to see anyone who can recognize his own errors and bring charges against himself within.'” What does this suggest about the difficulty of true self-examination? What does it suggest about the difficulty of seeing the negative aspects of ourselves without flinching, or looking away?

What is the meaning of Dao? How does Daoism view human nature? What is the human predicament, or problem, according to Daoist teachings, and how do we, as humans, achieve harmony with the Dao?