On the "Similarity" and "Difference" between Confucians and Scholars of Tao in Pre-Qin Period

In the Spring-Autumn and Warring States period,Confucians and scholars of all regardTao as the ultimate goal,which they are seeking and longing for.However,the former’s Tao is combination of Heaven’s Way and Deceased Kings’ Way,which is typical faith of respect for the God of the religious teaching while the latter’s Tao shows something beyond the reality,which is typical metaphysical ideal.Nevertheless,the Tao that they both worship has the nature and characteristics of the speech.The Tao that is reflected in the society shows return to an ideal society: a small country with few inhabitantsof Lao Tzu and utopia of Confucius seem to have no difference in essence.As for governance of the ideal society,Confucius and Lao Tzu both advocate the attitude and strategy of ruling by inactivity.The main difference between the two schools is their attitude toward ritual:Confucians respect and try to keep the ritual,while scholars of prefer to destroy it.