Three philosophies and their interactions in China

The Spring and Autumn Warring States refers to a period in Chinese history composed mostly of conflicts and turmoil. It was during this era that the three most prominent Chinese philosophies came into existence: Confucianism, Taoism and Legalism. These three ideologies competed with each other in their influences, promoting the inquiry into intellect, philosophy as well as politics and society. Later during the rule of Emperor Wu of Han, he promoted people to "dismiss the hundred schools, revere only the Confucian," thus setting Confucianism as the most dominant ideology of Chinese history, a tradition that lasts until the present day.


“仁义礼智信”
“Ren, Yi, Li, Zhi, Xin"

Confucius and his teachings ask humans, as social animals, refer to the laws of nature and set a series of laws within the society that both the ruler and the commoners should follow. The family is the basic unit of the society, and the country is a reflection of families in the larger scale. If the ruler is competent, and sets a good example in his conducts for his people to follow, then the country he rules should be in a stable, harmonious state. On the other hand, if the country is suffering from misgoverning, the people are justified to replace their ruler with a more morally exemplifying and politically competent person.


"道法自然”
"The Law of Taoism is Nature."

Like Confucianism, Taoism also encourages people to follow the laws of nature, and goes so far as to consider Confucian ideas impure because Confucianism involves people and people's relationships into the ideas of nature. Taoism followers believe that to emerge completely into the nature, a person should not possess desire or wants, and perform "Wu-Wei (Do-Nothing). " Taoism philosophers believe the government would be naturally created without coercion. It has had a great influence on Chinese art, literature and ideals. Taoists even downplay the importance of language because, they think, whenever a person speaks he is locked in a specific time and place, instead of being embraced by the eternity of nature. In short, Taoism encourages people to just "follow the vibe. "


“不别亲疏，不疏贵贱，一断于法。”
"Dear or distant, noble or humble, all is judged by the law."

Legalism reveres a harsher form of government, under which all are presented the same standard of law codes, and whoever that violates the law is punished. It promotes absolute ruling in all aspects of people's lives, creating, as a result, a stable society. The conflicts between Legalism - ruling by law, and Confucianism - ruling by morals, have contributed to numerous arguments on the most apt form of government throughout the Chinese history.