Phillip

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After reading about filial piety, I’ve noticed that Chinese focused and considered son, birth, family, and marriage very important. Filial piety is stated as the primary duty of all Chinese. Filial son must give complete obedience to their parents. They are also required to perform ritual sacrifices after their death. The most important duty was to keep the family line continued. When they die without a son, it meant that they are going against the concept of filial piety. In my opinion, it seems too severe that dying without a son is considered as the worst offense against the concept. In addition, its somewhat unfair for women because the whole concept of filial piety is focused on men where women’s role is not considered very important. While first son hold an important role in China, Korean’s culture is quiet similar to Chinese. In Korea, the first son also takes a big responsibility for the whole family like China. Although the time has changed, the principle of filial piety remains constant these days.
 * Filial Piety Response:**

1. “My words are very easy to understand and very easy to put into practice.” But Straightforward words seem paradoxical…” What does this mean? How does it come into play in The Tao of Pooh with regard to scholars?  This is what Tao te ching personal views about the world. This means that his words are very simple and clear for people to understand. He wants everything to be simple and easy so that they go together. Scholars want to analyze and find that could lead to the wrong way of teaching. Our knowledge is hard enough to convey and understand the concept of Tao.  2. Read the poem on page 30. What does Pooh seem to think about scholars? How does that relate to the Taoist view of knowledge?  Pooh shows that the scholars are people who wander around and homeless. He thinks that scholars doesn’t make things clear and unsure of what to do. Scholars seem very confused struggling with unimportant matters. Taoist view of knowledge relates to the poem by teaching us that there isn’t anything wrong within ourselves, but we don’t believe in ourselves. Taoists try to appreciate the nature and let everything to flow naturally. 3. What are the messages behind Cattlestone Pie 30-40 and 56. Think about inner nature. Cottlestone Pie conveys that we must know our limitations and nature. Some messages were quite confusing and didn’t make sense at all. Scholars try to tell and show everything in a complicated and hard way for people even if it’s a simple thing. Pie conveys that we must follow the inner nature and they will lead us to the key.

Financial and Communication Reforms Who? Meiji Reformers

What? Modern communication: Reformed tax system: Modern banking system:

Where? All over Japan

When? 1870’s

How? Japan’s first postal system was launched, railroads built, telegraph network established. Farmers gave money instead of rice or crop to government, the monetary system, developed currency called yen. To raise money the government sold bonds and borrowed from wealthy banking families. Yen, modern banking system, strengthen its nation’s economy.

Significance? Railroad lines connected Tokyo and Yokohama with also many key cities and ports. Telegraph network was linking major cities. The new land tax provided most of the funds for economic and political reforms.

To establish a firm base of revenue, Meiji leaders first reformed the tax system. 1873: Ended traditional taxes peasants had paid. Before, taken the form of giving a part of each year’s rice crop to the government. After, now based on the value of the land and paid in money. 1870: land tax comprised 72% of total government revenue. 1912: Less than 20%, evidence of the success of new industrial base and economic industry. In 1870, land tax was 72% government revenue, 1912 reformed tax system, below 20% which showed the succession of new industrial base and economic diversity. To raise money the government sold bonds and borrowed from wealthy banking families. Yen, modern banking system, strengthen its nation’s economy. Introduced modern communications systems. Railroad lines connected Tokyo and Yokohama with also many key cities and ports. Telegraph network was linking major cities. 1870: Japan’s first postal system was launched.

Rise Zabutsu Who: Matsukata Yoshi, Zaibatsa: Rich Family What: Inflation occurred in Japan When: 1880 How: The finance minister tried to sell Japan pilot factories to Zaibatsu Government. Significance: Control over economy

Western influence Who: Meiji Reformers What: Becomes modernized revised unequal treaties When: 1871

Write a short reflection of what you learned from these readings. With the benefit of hind site and knowledge of China and Japan, would Korea had been better off if it had “opened up to the west.” I've learn that foreign influence played an important role to Korea. Moreover, the religion addressed small and large issues of the state crisis. Koreans were worried if other religions might take over the nation's traditions. In my opinion, it would've been better if Korea can be little more open to western cultures. The reason is because if they let western system take over their tradition, the nation would eventually lost its tradition. However, not only maintaining their own tradition and culture, but becoming a stronger nation with western ideas.