In ancient China, there was mass violence and chaos. To solve the problem, Chinese philosophers came up with three very different belief systems to be used by the government: Legalism, Daoism, and Confucianism. All systems were believed to hold the key to a good government, but all used different methods and standards.

Confucianism takes an approach that focuses on a person’s moral character. The creator of Confucianism, Confucius, believed that if society were shaped around five basic relationships (ruler and subject, father and son, husband and wife, older brother and younger brother, and friend and friend) then harmony amongst society and government would be achieved. It is also believed children should practice filial piety, or respect for their parents and ancestors. Confucius also believed in creating a bureaucracy, or a government run by many different appointed officials.

Daoism is very different from Confucianism. Instead of being interested in morals, Taoists believe that a good government is a government that governed the least. They overlooked everyday problems and felt that nature would work everything out in the end. Created by a man named Laozi, the point of Daoism is to become one with Dao, or “the Way” and the universe as a whole. The universe will guide all things and humans should simply live in harmony with nature and let things be.

The harshest of the three, Legalism focuses more on strong laws and punishments to fix government. The creator of Legalism, Hanfeizi, believed that all people were born bad, and that they were simply taught to be good. To do so, they’re must be strict laws that were enforced with threats of terrible punishment, like cutting off an arm and an ear. Legalists believe that rulers should reward people who do their work and duties. They also taught that political opinions should be harnessed because “it was for the prince to govern and the people to obey”.

Confucianism, Daoism and Legalism all thought good government could be achieved, though they all had very different views on how to achieve it. All of their ideas helped to stop the violence and chaos and bring peace and prosperity to China even today.