Early Chinese Philosophies: Confucianism, Daoism, and Legalism — Interactive
To highlight, select the text and then click “Highlight Selection.” To underline, select the text and click “Underline Selection.”
China During the Warring States Period
From about 475–221 BCE, many rival states in China fought in a long period called the Warring States. As armies battled and rulers competed for power, everyday people faced danger and uncertainty. Thinkers began asking a big question: How can we bring back order and peace? Several answers took shape. Three of the most influential were Confucianism, Daoism (Taoism), and Legalism.
Vocabulary Bank
Select a word to see a quick definition.
Check for Understanding: Why were Chinese people open to new ideas during the Warring States Period?
Answer:
Tip: select a phrase in the text above, then click Highlight Selection. Your highlights & notes auto‑save on this device.
Confucianism: Order Through Virtue and Duty
Confucius (551–479 BCE) was a teacher who believed society works best when people practice good character and duty. His students wrote down his sayings in a book called the Analects. Key ideas included ren (kindness or humaneness), li (proper behavior), keeping promises, respecting elders, and filial piety—honoring one’s parents and family.
Confucius taught a version of the “Golden Rule”: do not do to others what you would not want done to you. He also believed government should be led by wise and moral people and that education helps build good leaders. Over time, rulers used his ideas to shape exams that chose officials based on learning and talent.
Vocabulary Bank
Select a word to see a quick definition.
Check for Understanding: According to Confucius, what personal behaviors help create an orderly society?
Answer:
Tip: select a phrase in the text above, then click Highlight Selection. Your highlights & notes auto‑save on this device.
Daoism (Taoism): Harmony with the Way
Daoism teaches that people should live in harmony with the Dao (the Way), the natural path of the universe. Tradition connects Daoism with a figure called Laozi and a text known as the Dao De Jing. Daoists value wu wei—acting with little force, letting things flow, and not fighting nature.
In government, Daoism suggests that fewer, simpler rules are better. In daily life, it encourages calm, balance, and a simple lifestyle close to nature.
Vocabulary Bank
Select a word to see a quick definition.
Check for Understanding: What does “wu wei” mean, and how might it change the way a leader rules?
Answer:
Tip: select a phrase in the text above, then click Highlight Selection. Your highlights & notes auto‑save on this device.
Legalism: Order Through Strong Laws
Legalism taught that people are most likely to do the right thing when laws are clear and punishments are strict. Writers such as Hanfeizi argued that rulers must keep tight control to stop disorder. Legalist ideas helped the Qin rulers end the Warring States and unite China, but these methods were harsh.
Vocabulary Bank
Select a word to see a quick definition.
Check for Understanding: How is Legalism’s view of human behavior different from Confucianism’s?
Answer:
Tip: select a phrase in the text above, then click Highlight Selection. Your highlights & notes auto‑save on this device.
Comparing the Three Approaches
All three philosophies tried to solve the same problem—how to bring order and peace. Confucianism focuses on virtue and duty, Daoism on harmony with nature and simple rule, and Legalism on strict laws and strong government. Chinese leaders often mixed ideas from more than one approach to fit the moment.
Vocabulary Bank
Select a word to see a quick definition.
Check for Understanding: If your community needed more peace and fairness, which approach—or mix—would you choose, and why?
Answer:
Tip: select a phrase in the text above, then click Highlight Selection. Your highlights & notes auto‑save on this device.