Lesson 4: SELF IN WESTERN AND EASTERN THOUGHT

Different cultures and varying environment tend to create different perceptions of

the self and one of the most common distinctions between cultures and people in the
Eastern-vs-Western dichotomy wherein Eastern represents Asia and Western
represents Europe and Northern America.

There are many sources in which you can analyze the perspective of each culture and
country about the concept of “self.” In this lesson, we will look at religious beliefs and
political philosophies that greatly influenced the mindset of each nation or culture.

First is Confucianism. It can be seen as a code of ethical conduct, of how one

should properly act according to their relationship with other people; thus it is also
focused on having a harmonious social life. Thus, identity and self-concept of the
individual are interwoven with the identity and status of his/her community or culture,
sharing its pride as well as its failures.

Eastern Self
Everyone is interconnected in a drama with specific roles. Self-cultivation: The
cultivated self in Confucianism is what some scholars call a “subdued self” wherein
personal needs are repressed [subdue] for the good of many, making Confucian society
also hierarchal for the purpose of maintaining order and balance.

Second philosophy is Taoism. Taoism was founded by Lao Tzu. Taoism is living
to the way of the Tao (Universe). However, they reject the hierarchy and strictness of 9
Confucianism. Taoism prefers to live a simple life. Self is not an extension of family or 2eg
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community. Self is part of the universe, one of the forms and manifestations of the Tao. R
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The ideal self is selflessness but this is not forgetting about the self, it is living a V
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balanced-about prejudices and egocentric ideas and thinking about equality as well as C I
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complementarily among humans as well as other beings. L
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The 3rd is Buddhism. The self is seen as an illusion, born out of ignorance, of MI
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trying to hold and control things, or human centered needs; thus, the self is also the d
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source of all these suffering. Life is full of suffering and it is made up of a cycle of birth, apra
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decay, illness, death. It is therefore our quest to forget about the self, forget the craving
of the self, break the attachments you have with the world, and to renounce the self w/c
is the cause of suffering and in doing so, attain the state of nirvana. Nirvana
(liberation)blowing out the flames of desire.

Western Self
Western Self focuses on self (Individualistic). You compare in order to be better.
You create associations and bask in the glory of that group for your self-esteem. You
put primacy on developing yourself.

By focusing on the self, they may seem to have loose associations or even
loyalty to their groups. Competition is the name of the game and they are more likely
straightforward and forceful in their communication as well as decision making. They
value equality even if they see that individual can rise above everything else. They also
promote ideals that create 'fair' competition and protect the individual.

Western and Eastern Differences

Western referred as the school of thought from Greek Philosophy. It is rooted
from Rome and Christianity. Laws are the ones that govern the behavior.

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It is Individualist in culture. It is all about 'I'. Tries to find self as it is the given part of the
divine. Logical, scientific, rational, and focus on ethics.

Eastern roots are from Asia. They believe that natural world does not follow laws,
it simply 'is'. It is collectivist in culture. It is all about 'We'. Drawn on people's actions and
thought as one. Trying to get rid of the false 'me' concept and find meaning in
discovering the true 'me'. Life is all about unity. The inner self must be freed.

Western and Eastern Similarities

Similarities: Both approach share a concept that a deeper understanding of
reality is possible. Influenced by the notion that there is a supreme being who guides
the mankind and provides for all he created. Believes in the concept of "god as the king
of universe"

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