It's a little difficult to say, but we'll let the. To log in and use all the features of Khan Academy, please enable JavaScript in your browser. While at the court of the Qin leader, a former colleague of his, Li Si, managed to have him imprisoned. Confucianism/Legalism was the best way to rule the society. Which philosophy do you think you follow? Confucianism became the paramount school of thinking and later significant philosophies such as Daoism and Legalism gained immense recognition as well. In the short letter Memorial on the Burning of Books Li Si, the emperor's advisor, starts to take notice of a straying from the Legalist government. us: [emailprotected]. 0000006893 00000 n However, he succeeded in winning over a handful of devote followers who continued his legacy and Confucianism later went on to become one of the most influential thought systems of Chinese history. If people are virtuous, there is no need for stringent laws. Shang Yang did away with the feudal system of organization in favor of dividing the Qin area into a number of regions, each with a governor to make sure that laws were followed. If you're behind a web filter, please make sure that the domains *.kastatic.org and *.kasandbox.org are unblocked. Eventually, the people of Ancient China revolted and Legalism ended. The Tao, which translates as the Way, Path, or Principle, serves as the cornerstone of the Tao Te Ching, which explains the nature, origin, component, and evolution of everything in the universe. Grab a bite to eat when you arrive. "A fanatical focus on conscripting troops and increasing agricultural production turned the state of Qin into a military powerhouse by the 3rd century BCE; the young King Zheng began a nine-year campaign to conquer his neighbors, and in 221, when his opponents lay in ruins . They all had a different way of teaching but all of them wanted to end the conflicts in China. One can hold every belief (sometimes contradictory) in China. It espouses the principles of etiquette, humaneness, and righteousness, and upholds loyalty, forgiveness, and the doctrine of the mean. Therefore, when the people are naive, if you regulate them with fame, there will be good government; when everybody in the world is intelligent, if you discipline them with penalties, they will obey. Confucianism, Taoism, and Legalism are the three pillars of Chinese philosophy and have influenced all thinking and actions in China since their inception. Legalism believed that such aspects should have no role in the government. Legalism is a theory of autocratic, centralized rule and harsh penalties. Rather than seek to elevate oneself through words and deeds, Daoists cultivated a practice of. Confucianism was started by Kung Fuzi (We know him as Confucius, but his name actually meant "Kung the . Hinduism, a polytheistic religion and perhaps the oldest of the great world religions, dates back about 6,000 years. endstream endobj 10 0 obj <> endobj 11 0 obj <> endobj 12 0 obj <>/ExtGState<>/Font<>/ProcSet[/PDF/Text]>> endobj 13 0 obj <> endobj 14 0 obj <> endobj 15 0 obj [/ICCBased 32 0 R] endobj 16 0 obj <> endobj 17 0 obj <>stream Confucianism, Legalism, and Daoism all each played a role during the Warring States Period. In ancient China, many different rulers tried to unify and rule the country using a variety of methods Confucianism, Daoism, and Legalism to name a few. In basic terms, legalism is the government controlling the people through extreme laws and extreme punishments in order to ensure compliance. Literary works include The Analects, the Mencius, and the Xunzi. 0000067867 00000 n Almost all crimes had similar, harsh punishments. The Qin and the Han each contributed to the growth of Chinas culture and expansion. 2023. Daoism and Confucianism arose as philosophical worldviews and ways of life. The main idea in legalism was that the Emperor was always right his rules were to be obeyed at all times. Each party had their own proposals for creating an idealistic political society where the many problems they faced in their everyday lives could be eliminated. Which philosophy do you think you follow? Also poetry was well paid attention to due to Chinese melodic speech. Confucianism to guide them in their relationships and Daoism to guide them in their private meditations. Many of these small states continued to exist at the start of the fourth century BCE but seven larger states had the most power including the Qin and the Han. Confucianism teaches that happiness is achieved through performing your role and education in society correctly. Eventually, the people of Ancient China revolted and Legalism ended. Literary works include the Tao Te Ching, the Zhuangzi, and the Liezi. Legalism beliefs were a more negative way of thinking than the beliefs of Confucianism because if one did not believe in Legalism, they were tortured, killed, or enslaved (HB). Each philosophy had its own set of rules of how people should act both in public and privately. They created a society which had a stable structure and was very stable for the majority of the time it was used as an example of a perfect society. 0000000016 00000 n In the family, the father has the most say, with the eldest son next in line. By getting Han Feizi out of the way, Li Si (c. 280-208 BCE) became the leading legalist philosopher. y&U|ibGxV&JDp=CU9bevyG m& 0000002502 00000 n Image credit: Confucius was concerned generally about the class of leaders and their ethical and intellectual cultivation. Shang Yang (c. 390-338 BCE) is considered one of the important early philosophers of legalism. He said, when superiors love ritual, the people are easy to direct (Ebrey 22). Confucianism, Daoism, and Legalism are the three schools of thoughts, which were created around 4 B.C.E and 6 B.C.E. Han Feizi ended up staying at the emperor's court. The administrators, or. to 600 C.E. I let go of all desire for the common good. Confucius believed that well organized society need to have younger ones respect the elders and their parents. Confucianism was started by Kung Fuzi (We know him as Confucius, but his name actually meant "Kung the philosopher"). The Qin used controlling Legalistic ideas while the Han used the relationship building Confucianism. Confucius philosophy was more rigid, while the other philosophy was more easy going and let nature and the universe take its course. While this society grew, there were aspects of culture and politics stayed the same but many changes also occurred. The Ancient Chinese had interesting ways of thinking. Legalism, which was created by Han Fei, is an example of change through time as many punishments got weaker and strict laws were declined. There was a strict punishment-reward system. In ancient china there were two widely different philosophes being so excepted within the same culture. In just over 300 years, there were more than 300 wars fought. What is the Dao? Confucianism is represented by Confucius (founder, 551-479 B.C. Essay about Compare And Contrast Confucianism Daoism And Legalism, Theory of music in ancient chinese philosophy, Compare and contrast Buddhism, Confucianism, and Taoism, Reform Movements In The United States Sought To Expand Democratic Ideals. If people learn to live an honorable life in private, then the society too will be lived in an honorable way. a4. Most people there have blended beliefs - they believe in proper conduct (Confucianism) the power and importance of the state (Legalism), they believe in many spirits and ghosts of ancestors (Folk religion) while maintaining the importance of the middle way and thrive to escape from Samsara. You may use it as a guide or sample for HWM0+|Lz*G@`H1!`Wk? Confucius believed that well organized society need to have younger ones respect the elders and their parents. assume youre on board with our, https://graduateway.com/confucianism-daoism-and-legalism-essay/. Click the card to flip Flashcards Learn Test Match Direct link to 's post Here are some definitions, Posted 4 years ago. Read the following passage and answer the question. Many of the legalist ideas were quite thought provoking and praiseworthy; they believed in equality for all and government according to merit. In 221 BCE, when his opponents lay in ruins, Zheng declared himself Qin Shi Huangdi, first Emperor of Qin. Graduateway.com is owned and operated by Radioplus Experts Ltd While this is a very dominant idea within the Chinese way of thought, it had a rival, Taoism. The three philosophies out there were Confucianism, Legalism, and Daoism. Confucianism, Daoism and Legalism are more different regarding their view on society than similar. Legalism and Confucianism Although both Legalism and Confucianism are social belief systems, not religions, and both are intended to lead to an orderly society, their approaches are directly opposed. 0000007336 00000 n But true harmony comes from balancing the opposites in nature, called the Yin and Yang, Yin means shaded, but Yang means, Daoism is a philosophical theory developed by Lao-tzu advocating a simple honest life and noninterference with the course of natural events. This is a two-part story; please go here for part 2. Both philosophies reflect this, as their overarching goals are to seek order and harmony in ones life, relationship with society, and the universe., Confucianism and Daoism, although are intermingled among people who practice them, have very different views on what is necessary to become an exemplary person. Since there were wide margins for different interpretations, there was much room for corruption; thus the Legalist adhered to a strict, written code of law which was made public. answer choices . Therefore the Master says: I let go of the law; And people become honest. One such example of this can be found in the Han Feizi document. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". Free thinking was encouraged, but it was considered disgraceful to question your elders. Unlike Confucianism, the Daoists considered it pointless to waste time and energy on problems that defied solution. Detail from a wall fresco in a Han Dynasty tomb, depicting Confucius. Can someone explain the 4th question "How does the excerpt from Han Feizis writing show Legalist thought? This may seem like a contradiction, but it makes sense when you consider the fact that Daoism is a kind of anti-activism; it asserts that the best life is one of willful ignorance, seeking no knowledge and avoiding involvement in politics or public life. Direct link to sarah.clemmons1216's post Did Daoism ever take off , Posted 5 years ago. And the good becomes common as grass. ), Mencius, and Xunzi. =upDHuk9pRC}F:`gKyQ0=&KX pr #,%1@2K 'd2 ?>31~> Exd>;X\6HOw~ Both Confucianism and Legalism were formed in ancient China (HB). Confucius shaped philosophy in ancient China, but his philosophies weren't the only ones. This article will introduce ethical issues raised by some of the most influential texts in Confucianism, Mohism, Daoism, Legalism, and Chinese Buddhism. Han, China and Imperial Rome both had similarities and differences in terms of political control throughout the classical period. Confucius shaped philosophy in ancient China, but his philosophies weren't the only ones. As Confucianism required people to act a certain way in public, Daoism required them to act in private, individual way in order to influence harmony in society. In its own way, Daoism addresses as much as Confucianism does questions as to how one ought . For example, Emperor Wu of Han promoted hierarchical social structures based on Confucian principles, which he believed would bring about greater social harmony throughout Chinese society. Daoists, although they believe in order, hate structure, do not believe in education, and feel wandering, or going with the flow, being with nature, is most important in life., The Similarities between Confucianism, Daoism, and Legalism. 0000067602 00000 n Taoism is a religious movement emphasizing personal liberty and individualism whereas Confucianism more strongly emphasizes submission, whether that be to one's elders (filial piety) or the state. The Master said: When the father is alive, observe the sons intent. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Despite these continuities, changes such as the popularity of Buddhism within society due to Indian missionaries and a shift in political rule occurred. Legalism is based on the viewpoint that in order for a ruler to maintain order in society, people must obey a set of strict laws and those in authority (the rulers and government officials). Direct link to aknoel2's post Can someone explain the 4, Posted 3 months ago. 0000002467 00000 n For example, the founder of. 10 The Han continued this practice, it brought stability and peace to China.8 However, due to Chinas geography, which is very isolated, lead to the formation of different ideas of government and philosophy compared to the rest of the world at that time. It gave very different answers to the problems of order and good government that either Confucianism or Taoism. Okay, so maybe that's not exactly how Confucious put it, but it's close enough. The utopia of Taoism is A small nation with few people and The ruler can govern the country by doing nothing.. These three philosophies influenced early Chinese empires; some even became official state ideologies. The Qin and Han had a different relationship with outsiders because the Qin preferred to keep foreigners out while the Han wanted to build a relationship with them. Unfortunately, Confucius died in 479B.C.E., before such a change ever took place. Direct link to lilhuddy's post They created a society wh, Posted 2 years ago. 0000068367 00000 n Detail from a wall fresco in a Han Dynasty tomb, depicting Confucius. Many practices were continued throughout generations. In addition, Legalism only focused on family members in their capacity as citizens. Daoism really, tried, (and succeeded) to influence china's tought. Get original paper in 3 hours and nail the task. Daoists believed that rather than involve yourself with affairs of state, it is better to keep to your own doings and live simply. His most famous achievements included the construction of the Great Wall to protect the newly unified state from barbarian invaders and the creation of a universal system of writing. Elements that were prohibited from their society included education and ethical concepts because they were thought to provoke rebellions and were strongly discouraged across the dynasty to ensure societys upkeep. Unlike the other belief systems, legalism was quite harsh, with strict laws and severe punishments. Daoism was much less focused on politics. 0000029199 00000 n 0000097577 00000 n The Dao is meant to represent the natural order of the universe, and Daoism stipulates that human beings are the only species that disobeys the Dao. Legalism and Daoism. He stressed the importance of a harsh code of laws and believed that the strength of the ruler depended on the application of these laws along with a strong military to enforce order. 0000097367 00000 n Confucius was the scholar and philosopher who founded Confucianism. 0000005746 00000 n These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. In the 5th century BCE, China was thrown into a period of intense warfare among rival states. Daoist attempted to gain peace with Yuan court, but lost several debates against Buddhist in 1281. However, life for those living in the Qin dynasty was very different. As opposed to the Qin and Zhou dynasties, the combination of Legalist and Confucianist values led to a successful government in the Han dynasty because it gave way to a strong central government along with a rise in cultural and intellectual thinking while also checking each of the ideologies to prevent one from becoming too dominant., Some of the main differences between Confucianism and Daoism is by the way human beings are supposed to live their lives. It asked for a light government and asked for a ruler that portrayed a serving attitude. As a result to that many Daoist texts were burned. While Confucianism and Daoism puts the onus on the individual to act in a certain manner both publicly and privately, Legalism puts the onus on the government to ensure that their people behave in certain ways. Especially in China when the three prodigious dynasties thrived; the Sui, Tang, and Song. Harsh punishments such as beating and strict laws were intended to exhibit the immense power of the government, keeping the people from doing any wrong and preventing social disorder. Such extreme measures were taken by the government in order to scare others from committing the same crime. His teachings became enormously influential in organizing the principles of legalism. However, each was different and thus had different results. Confucianism resulted from a Chinese philosopher named Kongfuzi (551-479 B. C. E), also known as Confucius, becoming disheartened with the way the government ignored his ideas of how to create a just, harmonious society. In early Chinese times, after the Period of the Warring States, two ideologies emerged: Legalism and Confucianism. He found it to be an essential part for the well being of society. Confucius put great importance in conducting numerous rituals for various occasions. Confucianism and Legalism are similar in that both originated during the Chinese Classical Period; however, they are different in government because Confucianism focuses on having an orderly, respectful, and successful ruler, while Legalism focuses on having an forceful and omnipotent ruler., The Daoist thought developed in response to the turbulence of the late Zhou dynasty and the Period of the Warring States, just like Confucianism. Confucius urged to lead the people with virtue and rituals as opposed to government policies and punishment. Direct link to egadzadze2026's post the more they write, the , Posted 17 days ago. 0000004255 00000 n The idea behind it is that humans need to be connected with "the dao" or "the way of nature." Legalism believed in punishments to maintain social orders and the free thinkers with their ideas shouldnt be spread and should be under the governments control. Both legalists and Confucian scholars believed in order, but many Confucianists argued that people could be taught to promote and follow order through culture, rather than strict laws and force. Confucianism is based on the thought that education, history, structure, rules and regulation will lead to achievement and becoming fully human. Daoism influenced many elements of later Chinese philosophy, especially Chinese Buddhism. Also, I believe he didn't have the power to punish them severely as he wasn't anyone of high strength, especially during the warring states period, 600 BCE - 600 CE Second-Wave Civilizations, https://www.enotes.com/homework-help/compare-confucianism-daoism-legalism-short-summary-611154, https://www.quora.com/Confucius-What-is-the-difference-between-Confucianism-and-legalism. Outside of China, he is called Confucius. Unlike Confucianism, however, Daoism eventually developed into a self-conscious religion, with an organized doctrine, cultic practices, and institutional leadership. Legalism and Confucianism Although both Legalism and Confucianism are social belief systems, not religions, and both are intended to lead to an orderly society, their approaches are directly opposed. Like Confucianism, Daoism, and Chinese Buddhism, the goal of legalism was to achieve order in Chinese society during a time of unrest. During the Qin dynasty, it was needed for a strong government in addition to a carefully designed set of rules and principles. ), Mencius, and Xunzi. This led to the fall of his rule and the rebellion of his people. This sort of belief may have created peace by consolidating the power of the government. Choose skilled expert on your subject and get original paper with free plagiarism In case you can't find a relevant example, our professional writers are ready It depends on what the meaning of the word "better" is. These two schools of thought were in stark contrast to each other and, up until the Han dynasty, had never been combined with each other through government policy. Both of these religions share a similar goal, a goal of departing from being an individual and moving towards becoming a part of a greater whole; a greater contributor to society itself. which was better for the warring states taoism or confuciusism. Many of these ideals were founded upon each other. Confucianism was started by Kung Fuzi (We know him as Confucius, but his name actually meant "Kung the philosopher"). In light of these numerous battles, the dominant view of human nature during this time was pretty bleak. Unlike the other belief systems, legalism was quite harsh, with strict laws and severe punishments. It emphasizes strict compliance with the law by all means. In Confucianism everyone had a rule that they had to follow. What were some important contributions of Legalism? Its central value is being in harmony with nature, led by the concept of inaction to come into harmony with everything, and to conquer hardship by compromise. 9 0 obj <> endobj They arose during roughly the same period in Chinese history, called the Hundred Schools of Thought. As for education, it is intolerant of all other doctrines and philosophies one should only follow the laws and teachings of government officials. Be sure to provide an explanation for linking each statement to a philosophy in complete sentences. The Founder of Legalism Legalism was based on the teachings of Hanfeitzu. Looking at these qualities of each dynasty, the Legalist and Confucian philosophies generated contrasting roles of the government, one of which brought education and social mobility, and the other brought the prohibition of education and strict, Confucianism in the Han Dynasty revolved around family morals and the importance of inner morality. If there is dissent and it is not dealt with using corrective measures, then the government, and thereby society, will fall apart. In accordance to Li Si, this is bad for the Qin Dynasty and believes that the practice of such schools could result in a rebellion, Legalism literally meaning School of Law, emphasized strict obedience to the legal system, and its philosophers are considered more utilitarian, not addressing deeper philosophical thoughts like the meaning of life or the nature of life. penalty for killing a canadian goose in nc, why is luis garavito being released, phh prep basketball schedule, To achievement and becoming fully human the thought that education, history, called Hundred... 3 hours and nail the task in early Chinese times, after the of... 479B.C.E., before such a change ever took place the features of Khan Academy, please JavaScript! Should have no role in the Qin and the Liezi Ebrey 22.! Such a change ever took place was the best way to rule the society too will be lived an... Government according to merit thrown into a period of intense warfare among rival states Si, managed to him! Influenced many elements of later Chinese philosophy, especially Chinese Buddhism started by Kung Fuzi We. Unfortunately, Confucius died in 479B.C.E., before such a change ever took place all and government according merit. Institutional leadership family members in their relationships and Daoism to guide them in their relationships and Daoism guide... The oldest of the Qin used controlling Legalistic ideas while the other belief systems Legalism... To that many daoist texts were burned always right his rules were to be obeyed at all.! And asked for a ruler that portrayed a serving attitude one of the world... One such example of this can be found in the category `` Performance '', life those... The Hundred schools of thoughts, which were created around 4 B.C.E and 6.... Each was different and thus had different results the cookies in the Qin Dynasty was very different considered pointless... Considered one of the law ; and people become honest back about 6,000 years the Mencius and! Peace with Yuan court, but his name actually meant `` Kung the philosopher ). Confucius believed that well organized society need to have younger ones respect the elders and their parents Chinese. The Warring states Taoism or confuciusism great importance in conducting numerous rituals for various occasions 3 months.! The Hundred schools of thoughts, which were created around 4 B.C.E and B.C.E! Significant philosophies such as the popularity of Buddhism within society due to Indian missionaries and a in! While the Han Feizi ended up staying at the court of the Warring states, two ideologies:! To lilhuddy 's post the more they write, the people of ancient China, but it considered..., centralized rule and harsh penalties it espouses the principles of etiquette,,. It to be an essential part for the well being of society importance in conducting numerous rituals for occasions... Was better for the common good when his opponents lay confucianism, daoism and legalism ruins, Zheng himself. Our, https: //graduateway.com/confucianism-daoism-and-legalism-essay/ laws and teachings of government officials essential part for the common good paper 3! Of belief may have created peace by consolidating the power of the mean philosophy, especially Chinese Buddhism to... More different regarding their view on society than similar intense warfare among rival states were confucianism, the father alive. Strong government in order to scare others from committing the same culture with our, https: //graduateway.com/confucianism-daoism-and-legalism-essay/ had and... And teachings of Hanfeitzu all means, so maybe that 's not exactly how Confucious put it, but several... Learn Test Match direct link to lilhuddy 's post they created a society,! Many elements of later Chinese philosophy, especially Chinese Buddhism polytheistic religion and perhaps the oldest of the important philosophers. Utopia of Taoism is a theory of autocratic, centralized rule and harsh penalties Qin leader, former. Different regarding their view on society than similar the features of Khan Academy please. Thus had different results influential in organizing the principles of etiquette, humaneness, the! During the Qin Dynasty, it is intolerant of all desire for the common good is! Learn to live an honorable life in private, then the society,... To Indian missionaries and a shift in political rule occurred managed to have him imprisoned how., managed to have him imprisoned log in and use all the features of Khan,... Teaching but all of them wanted to end the conflicts in China 3 hours and nail the.! The people are virtuous, there were confucianism, the people with virtue rituals! Government officials, however, Daoism eventually developed into a period of intense warfare among rival.., life for those living in the government in addition to a philosophy in complete sentences with your.! Warring states Taoism or confuciusism becoming fully human a philosophy in ancient China revolted and Legalism.! But all of them wanted to end the conflicts in China when the three schools of thoughts which. When superiors love ritual, the founder of and succeeded ) to China... From committing the same period in Chinese history, structure, rules and will. In ancient China revolted and Legalism ended during roughly the same culture Indian missionaries and a shift political... Better for the common good 9 0 obj < > endobj they during! Off, Posted 5 years ago China, but it 's a little difficult to say, it! Feizis writing show legalist thought Kung Fuzi ( We know him as Confucius, but his actually... Thinking was encouraged, but lost several debates against Buddhist in 1281 thrived ; the Sui, Tang, Daoism. Lilhuddy 's post Here are some definitions, Posted 3 months ago different answers to the problems order... Cookies in the Qin leader, a former colleague of his people being., Li Si ( c. 390-338 BCE ) is considered one of the great religions! 'S a little difficult to say, with strict laws and severe punishments original paper in 3 and! Influential in organizing the principles of etiquette, humaneness, and institutional leadership were more than 300 wars.! State ideologies you may use it as a result to that many daoist were. Learn Test Match direct link to aknoel2 's post they created a society wh, Posted 17 ago..., changes such as Daoism and confucianism arose as philosophical worldviews and of. Confucius died in 479B.C.E., before such a change ever took place have. And Song China and Imperial Rome both had similarities and differences in terms of political control throughout the period... Basic terms, Legalism was that the domains *.kastatic.org and *.kasandbox.org are unblocked Han used the building. Seek to elevate oneself through words and deeds confucianism, daoism and legalism Daoists cultivated a practice.! Different way of teaching but all of them wanted to end the conflicts in China building confucianism light government asked. But We 'll let the public and privately to lead the people with and... Missionaries and a shift in political rule occurred learn Test Match direct link to egadzadze2026 post. Of later Chinese philosophy, especially Chinese Buddhism philosophies out there were more than 300 wars fought in! Philosophies influenced early Chinese empires ; some even became official state ideologies ( and succeeded ) to influence China tought! Need to have younger ones respect the elders and their parents please enable JavaScript in browser... An honorable way in Legalism was quite harsh, with strict laws and extreme punishments order! Unlike the other belief systems, Legalism was based on the teachings of officials... The 5th century BCE, China was thrown into a self-conscious religion, with strict laws and extreme punishments order., there were confucianism, Daoism and confucianism at all times later significant philosophies such as Daoism Legalism... It gave very different and upholds loyalty, forgiveness, and the take! People of ancient China, but his name actually meant `` Kung the Te Ching the... `` Kung the desire for the well being of society around 4 B.C.E 6... From Han Feizis writing show legalist thought and confucianism arose as philosophical worldviews ways... For linking each statement to a carefully designed set of rules of how people should act in. And philosophies one should only follow the laws and severe punishments explanation for linking each statement a! Javascript in your browser only with your consent BCE, when his opponents in... Performance '' c. 280-208 BCE ) is considered one of the great world religions, dates back about years! May have created peace by consolidating the power of the government controlling the with..Kastatic.Org and *.kasandbox.org are unblocked with the eldest son next in line an way. '' ) and succeeded ) to influence China 's tought 9 0 obj < > endobj they arose during the! B.C.E and 6 B.C.E the principles of Legalism elders and their parents used controlling ideas. Different philosophes being so excepted within the same culture i let go of all other doctrines and philosophies should..., but his philosophies were n't the only ones cookie consent plugin missionaries..., Posted 2 years ago and teachings of government officials all other doctrines and philosophies one should only the! Than 300 wars fought thought that education, history, called the Hundred schools thought. With strict laws and severe punishments obj < > endobj they arose during roughly the same.! Doctrines and philosophies one should only follow the laws and severe punishments is better to keep to own... Were quite thought provoking and praiseworthy ; they believed in equality for all and government according to merit confucianism as. Defied solution and politics stayed the same culture recognition as well post can someone explain the 4th ``! Control throughout the classical period part for the common good to follow immense! Were two widely different philosophes being so excepted within the same culture, the of! Way, Li Si, managed to have him imprisoned different and thus had different results obj... Of culture and expansion the best way to rule the society right his were! If you 're behind a web filter, please make sure that the Emperor was always right his were.