--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: It is fundamental to both Taoist and…" description: "\"“It is fundamental to both Taoist and Confucian thought that the natural man is to be trusted, and from their standpoint it appears that the Western mi..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/786/alan-wilson-watts-4665_chinese_it-is-fundamental-to-both-taoist-and-con_3068758.jpg" --- # It is fundamental to both Taoist and Confucian thought… ![“It is fundamental to both Taoist and Confucian thought that the natural man is to be trusted, and from their standpoint it appears that the Western mistrust of human nature-whether theological or technological-is a kind of schizophrenia. It would be impossible, in their view, to believe oneself…” quote by Alan Wilson Watts](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/786/alan-wilson-watts-4665_chinese_it-is-fundamental-to-both-taoist-and-con_3068758.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/786/alan-wilson-watts-4665_chinese_it-is-fundamental-to-both-taoist-and-con_3068758.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/786/alan-wilson-watts-4665_chinese_it-is-fundamental-to-both-taoist-and-con_3068758.jpg) > ““It is fundamental to both Taoist and Confucian thought that the natural man is to be trusted, and from their standpoint it appears that the Western mistrust of human nature-whether theological or technological-is a kind of schizophrenia. It would be impossible, in their view, to believe oneself innately evil without discrediting the very belief, since all the notions of a perverted mind would be perverted notions.”” [Alan Wilson Watts](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/alan-wilson-watts/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Taoist and Confucian thought trusts innate human goodness, contrasting Western skepticism that sees humanity as fundamentally flawed. **In simple terms:** Eastern philosophy trusts human nature; Western often doubts it. Key Takeaway Recognize and nurture inherent goodness in yourself and others. Themes philosophy human nature culture Mood thoughtful analytical Type philosophical inspirational When to use this quote - personal development - cross‑cultural dialogue - ethical leadership Key Concepts Taoism Confucianism Western skepticism Questions to Reflect On - Do you assume people are inherently good? - How does cultural background shape your trust in humanity? A Different Perspective May simplify complex traditions; not all Western views are distrustful. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Chinese](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/chinese/) [Confucian](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/confucian/) [Confucian Thought](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/confucian-thought-4196638/) [Fundamental Taoist](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/fundamental-taoist-5181658/) [Human nature](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/human-nature/) [Nature](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/nature/) [Philosophy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/philosophy/) [Taoism](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/taoism/) [Taoist](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/taoist-1167215/) [Taoist Confucian](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/taoist-confucian-5181657/) [Theology](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/theology/) ## Related quotes > [“In Confucian thought, individuals practice moral virtue both by restraining themselves and pursuing their own interests. 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