PHILOSOPHIES
Three major philosophies emerged from the Hundred Schools of Thought and they were Confucianism, Daoism, and Legalism. The Hundred Schools of Thought are many ideas about human nature and the best ways to govern.
CONFUCIANISM
Confucianism was created by a Chinese philosopher named Confucius. Confucius was a very important person in Chinese history. He created a legacy of Confucianism that lasted for centuries. Confucianism's goal was to achieve a just and peaceful society. It emphasizes proper behavior. It, like many other Chinese philosophies, came from what was later called The Hundred Schools of Thought. The Hundred Schools of Thought were basically a group of ideas about human nature and the best ways to govern.
DAOISM
Daoism tried to provide answers to the problems that prevented right living and good government. It emphasizes living in harmony with nature. The founder of Daoism was Laozi. Laozi worked as a royal adviser to the Zhou Dynasty Emperors for many years. When he reached 90 years old, he decided to leave China. A border guard recognized him and was upset that Laozi's knowledge was going to be lost to China, so he asked him to write down his thoughts. So Laozi wrote Dao De Jing one of his most famous works. Yin and Yang was created by Daoists as a concept of opposite forces of nature. Daoism encouraged rulers to govern less harshly.
LEGALISM
Legalism offered new answers about how to solve problems that interfere with order and good government. The third major philosophy that came out of China's time of trouble was based on the teachings of Hanfeizi. Hanfeizi lived from 280-233 BCE. Hanfeizi was concerned with creating peace and order in society. Many of his ideas survive in a book named Hanfeizi. Those who followed Legalism believed that most people are naturally selfish. Legalists believed that people were driven by their own self-interests. Legalism taught that rulers could create order in society only through strict laws and harsh punishments.