For centuries, the human race has been seeking answers to the seemingly fundamental questions of life. Why are we here, who placed us where we are and what is the purpose that we are meant to fulfill are all questions that have been debated and dissected by intellects and philosophers alike. Despite the fact that the same questions have been asked over and over again, the response to the questions have been answered in an infinite number of ways. Sometimes, however, two ideas can be found, no matter how far apart in time or distance that are almost identical. These two philosophies are the ancient Chinese philosophy of Taoism, and Transcendentalism (a western philosophy). Although the two have their differences, they bear striking similarities.
             Centuries ago, even before the ancient religion of Christianity was founded, a philosophy called Taoism existed. The Tao, or translated into English: "the way", is something that all followers of Taoism strive to achieve harmony with. The Tao itself is personal and has to be experienced; it "refers to a power which envelops, surrounds, and flows through all things, living and non-living. The Tao regulates natural processes and nourishes balance in the universe. It embodies the harmony of opposites" (Robinson 1).
             The founder of Taoism and composer of the Tao Te Ching is believed to be a Chinese philosopher named Lao Tse. Lao Tse created Taoism in attempts to resolve the corruption in the society that he lived in. The Tao Te Ching has been considered to be a perplexing book in both the period in which it was written and the twenty- first century. Many have called Lao Tse a "contemporary Confucius", and the Tao Te Ching is commonly known as a holy script. Its parables and verse have been written in incantatory language, and invokes the inner, natural harmony with the Tao. "Readers of both the I Ching and the Tao Te Ching will readily appreciate from many of...