Classical Chinese political structures began with governance based on the belief in the Mandate of Heaven. This governance took place through the use of dynasties, or powerful families that were chosen to rule by the word of the heavens. However this worked for a large duration of time, the Chinese eventually began experiencing political and social unrest, known as Warring of the States. There were three solutions that Chinese political leaders had put forth to solve these conflicts, including Confucianism, Legalism, and Daoism. Each of these governing techniques was used for a period of time until the Chinese eventually returned to their traditional practice of Confucius values.
![Picture](/uploads/9/1/1/1/91115516/symbol-of-confucianism-56354.jpg?181)
Confucianism
Answer proposed by Confucius in his book, Analects.
The Confucius practice proposed harmony between social classes, while justifying the inequalities between them as well. Confucianism promoted family time, education, and good moral practices and examples when ruling over the people. Confucianism was a belief that expected rulers to practice responsibility and justice.
"By three methods we may learn wisdom: First, by reflection, which is noblest; Second, by imitation, which is easiest; and third by experience, which is the bitterest."
- Confucius
Answer proposed by Confucius in his book, Analects.
The Confucius practice proposed harmony between social classes, while justifying the inequalities between them as well. Confucianism promoted family time, education, and good moral practices and examples when ruling over the people. Confucianism was a belief that expected rulers to practice responsibility and justice.
"By three methods we may learn wisdom: First, by reflection, which is noblest; Second, by imitation, which is easiest; and third by experience, which is the bitterest."
- Confucius
Legalism
Answer proposed and enforced by the Shihuangdi and Qin Dynasties. Legalism proposed that the answer to unrest in classical China lies in harsher rules and punishments. The image to the right is the ancient Qin Dynasty seal, which is still a representation of Legalism today. The rule of legalism over this country was quickly opposed and overthrown because of the harsh enforcements these rulers used. "A filial son to his father can be a traitorous subject to his ruler." - Han Fei |
![Picture](/uploads/9/1/1/1/91115516/taoism-symbol.jpg?212)
Daoism
Answer proposed by Laozi, a sixth century BCE archivist, who wrote Daodejing.
Stated that Confucianism was "artificial" and "useless." Daoism promoted a more "spontaneous, individualistic, and natural" behavior, which caused them to believe that government is not even necessary at all. Daoism suggested that end be put to both law and education: "Give up learning and put an end to your troubles." - Daodejing. Daoism also promoted sexual equality, as well as Yin and Yang, which is an attempt to unify opposites.
Answer proposed by Laozi, a sixth century BCE archivist, who wrote Daodejing.
Stated that Confucianism was "artificial" and "useless." Daoism promoted a more "spontaneous, individualistic, and natural" behavior, which caused them to believe that government is not even necessary at all. Daoism suggested that end be put to both law and education: "Give up learning and put an end to your troubles." - Daodejing. Daoism also promoted sexual equality, as well as Yin and Yang, which is an attempt to unify opposites.
![Picture](/uploads/9/1/1/1/91115516/daoism-document.jpg?416)
To the right is an old manuscript associated with the Tang Dynasty, which avidly supported the practice of Daoism within the governance of China.
In the end, the Chinese government once again began the practice of Confucianism in regards to its government and rulers because it was what majority of the Chinese people wanted their government to be based upon.