Cao Xueqin's History of Stone is a classic of Chinese literature, depicting the life and exploits of the wealthy Jia clan during the feudal era. Through Cao's portrayal, the reader gets a glimpse of the customs and way of life of the time. The Chinese way of thinking is represented as it manifests in daily life, with the coexisting beliefs of Confucianism and Taoism. While the positive aspects of both ideologies are presented, Cao ultimately depicts Taoism as the primordial and essential belief system that guides the character Bao-yu toward his eventual enlightenment. As was the case in China, Cao depicts the two forms of belief coexisting with each other, and not necessarily practiced exclusively towards each other. Confucianism involves concern for affairs and world order within a rigid social hierarchy, with an emphasis on filial piety and family relationships. Taoism is a way of thinking that embraces ideas of transcendental spiritual worlds through the observation of simplicity, an understanding of natural law and order, and a desire to lead with compassion rather than by force. These beliefs are all presented at the beginning of Story of the Stone. . Initially, it was a Buddhist monk and a Taoist who discovered the stone. Although he initially considers ignoring the stone due to its loose moral values ​​and questionable content, the Taoist Vanitas is quickly convinced of the story's value by the stone's insistence that others can learn from the message, and thus avoid the same pitfalls that occurred. there are so many in the Jia clan. “My only wish is that the men of the world below may sometime take up this story…and in doing so find not only mental refreshment, but perhaps even, if they heed the lesson and abandon the… middle of paper. .....function well in society. Again, self-improvement is presented. Ultimately, Bao-yu experiences a transformation. After a new experience in the Land of Illusion, Bao-yu is changed, and decides to restore the house's image. He succeeded in this effort, and then left to become a monk. With this revelation, the effect of Taoism on Bao-yu's character is evident. The story of the stone is that of a spiritual awakening and not of success through filiation. Although Bao-yu realizes his efforts by performing traditionally Confucian tasks, he does so only after a fascinating spiritual experience in the Land of Illusion. Throughout his life, Bao-yu was forced to withdraw from the trappings of the failing material world into which he was born, and it was only through the transcendence of these factors that he was ultimately able to restore the honor of the house of Jia..