“The Way gives birth to the One; The One gives birth to two; Two give birth to three; And three give birth to all things. All beings support the yin and embrace the yang; And through the blending of qi they create harmony. What people hate is to be orphaned, lonely, unfortunate, Yet kings and lords call themselves by these names. Therefore things may gain by losing, and lose by gaining. What others teach, I also teach: The violent do not attain a natural death. This I take as the father of my teaching.” -Laozi

CHINESE SCHOOLS OF THOUGHT Daoism - Founded by Laozi. Living in harmony with the Yin & Yang of Nature. Best form of government is one that governs the least. Government causes problems. Popular with peasants. Focus on finding the “way” of the universe. Blend with Confucianism. Alchemy – transform ordinary metals into gold.

“Humaneness may make one shed tears and be reluctant to apply penalties, but law makes it clear that such penalties must be applied. The ancient kings allowed law to be supreme and did not give in to their tearful longings. Hence it is obvious that humaneness cannot be used to achieve order in the state. …” -Han Feizi “The best rewards are those that are generous and predictable, so that the people may profit by them. The best penalties are those that are severe and inescapable, so that the people will fear them. The best laws are those that are uniform and inflexible, so that the people can understand them.…” - Han Feizi

CHINESE SCHOOLS OF THOUGHT Legalism – Teachings of Hanfeizi. The nature of man is evil. The only way to achieve order was to pass strict laws and enforce them with harsh punishments. Not popular with most people except the feudal rulers.

"When rulers love to observe the rules of propriety, the people respond readily to the calls on them for service." "If the people be led by laws, and uniformity sought to be given them by punishments, they will try to avoid the punishment, but have no sense of shame. "If they be led by virtue, and uniformity sought to be given them by the rules of propriety, they will have the sense of shame, and moreover will become good." "He who exercises government by means of his virtue may be compared to the north polar star, which keeps its place and all the stars turn towards it." -Confucius

CHINESE SCHOOLS OF THOUGHT Confucianism - Based on Confucius. Most popular of all three. Students collected all of his writing and put them into books called The Analects. Concerned with ensuring order and good government. The best leaders rule by moral example. Stresses the importance of individual duties and responsibilities. Good behavior would yield order and stability.

CHINESE SCHOOLS OF THOUGHT Confucianism Also stressed was the concept of Filial Piety or respect for one’s parents. Ancestors were important. Stressed 5 key relationships and the role of education. One-third of the world’s population was influenced. Blends with Buddhism.