The Philosophy of Life Found in Eastern Tales
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Abstract
Folklore and oral tradition have long served as vessels for transmitting societal values, ethics, and cultural continuity. In Eastern civilizations, such narratives encapsulate the philosophical foundations of moral behavior and collective wisdom. This article investigates how Chinese folk tales and proverbs embody essential life principles such as patience, morality, intergenerational respect, and persistence, all of which resonate with the cultural worldview of Uzbek society. While many studies address the aesthetic or literary value of folklore, fewer have explored its psychopedagogical and philosophical influence across Eastern cultures in a comparative context. The study aims to identify common moral and philosophical motifs in Eastern tales—particularly Chinese legends—and demonstrate their relevance to Uzbek traditional values and societal formation. By analyzing narratives such as "The Old Horse Knows the Way" and the story of Li Bai, the study reveals recurring themes of wisdom through experience, ethical conduct, and perseverance. These stories parallel Uzbek proverbs and folk practices that emphasize similar values, showing a shared cultural ethos. The article bridges Chinese and Uzbek folklore to argue for a common Eastern philosophical foundation that prioritizes ancestral guidance, ethical upbringing, and social harmony. These findings suggest that reintegrating traditional narratives into educational and societal discourse can strengthen identity, promote ethical behavior, and support the formation of a more cohesive and morally anchored society in a modernizing world.
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