LESSON 4: SELF IN WESTERN AND EASTERN THOUGHTS
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.
LESSON PROPER
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 Confucianism. Taoism prefers to live a simple life. Self is not an
extension of family or community. Self is part of the universe, one of the forms
and manifestations of the Tao. The ideal self is selflessness but this is not
forgetting about the self, it is living a balanced-about prejudices and
egocentric ideas and thinking about equality as well as complementarily among
humans as well as other beings.
The 3rd is Buddhism. The self is seen as an illusion, born out of
ignorance, of trying to hold and control things, or human centered needs; thus,
the self is also the source of all these suffering. Life is full of suffering and it is
made up of a cycle of birth, 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. 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"
