Since ancient times, these three traditions have had a deep impact on Chinese society: Confucianism, Daoism, and Legalism. Driven by their individual founders and their respective outlooks on Chinese society, Confucianism, Daoism, and Legalism offered different views on how Chinese society should be structured and led.

Confucianism was founded in the 6th century BCE by the philosopher Confucius, who was also known as Kong Fuzi. Confucius believed that good government is based on respecting your family and ancestors. He encouraged his followers to educate themselves in the Zhou texts (Chinese writing created during the Zhou dynasty). Overall, Confucianism’s values involve being concerned for your community and taking time to reflect on yourself and how you relate to others. Ultimately, Confucianism’s strong emphasis on social order and morals led to the formation of the Chinese civil service examination, which selected officials based on their knowledge of Confucian teachings and principles. Officials were expected to lead ethically and with a strong sense of social harmony and meritocratic measures. This system lasted for more than 1,300 years and guided numerous ruling dynasties throughout the centuries. Currently, strict adherents to Confucianism number less than one million, although the vast majority of people in China practice core Confucian values in their daily lives.

Next, Daoism was founded around the 6th century BCE during the Warring States period by Laozi (Lao Tzu). “Dao” translates to “the Way,” which represents Daoism’s belief that its followers should follow the way of nature and strive to maintain harmony throughout and with the world. Because Daoism mostly follows nature, its adherents believe that there is a balance in the world called yin and yang. Yin represents the female and submissiveness while Yang represents the male and aggressiveness. Daoism believes that political involvement is necessary for the success of the country but emphasizes a minimalist approach focused on diplomacy over military force, since conflict breeds more conflict. Nowadays, about 10-12 million people in China identify as practitioners, with about 200 million participating in some form of Daoist-influenced religious activities.

Finally, Legalism was founded during the Warring States period (which lasted from 475 to 221 BCE) by Han Feizi and teaches that strict laws and harsh punishments are necessary for effective government. Crime was uncommon in China at the time, but the rules of Legalism still punished people severely for slight infractions. Even though Legalism is the strictest, and some might say the harshest, of these three traditions, it helped to unify China by bringing more structure to the government along with a more centralized system of governance, standardization, and a strong legal framework that maintained a stable government for centuries. Legalism was the official philosophy of the Qin Dynasty, which came to an end more than 2 millennia ago. However, Legalism’s influence resonates today in modern China through the country’s strong centralized government, strict laws, and emphasis on control and order.

These belief systems impacted Chinese society by influencing government and social structure. Confucianism’s goal was to have a peaceful society with a ruler who respected his subjects. The ruler was expected to be a paragon of virtue and lead by example. His government officials were chosen based on their integrity and knowledge. Daoism encouraged politicians to focus on the most important affairs of government and not be distracted by other affairs occurring in the world. Legalism consolidated political power and social influence with the rulers of China through strict laws.

While not related to one specific tradition, the Mandate of Heaven was also very important to China’s society and governance. The Mandate of Heaven was the idea that there was only one true ruler in China at one time, and this ruler was approved by the gods. Throughout the centuries, when a ruler was seen to have or not have the Mandate of Heaven (through supernatural signs, calamities, etc.), the pendulum of power swung in different ways, often ushering in new rulers and dynasties.

Confucianism, Daoism, and Legalism greatly helped China grow and shaped its political and social foundations. The impact of these religious traditions and philosophies can still be felt centuries after they first took root in China.