How to: Chinese philosophers

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China’s most famous teacher, philosopher, and political theorist. He believed that social order was best maintained through filial piety (xiao), a deep respect for parents, elders, and social hierarchy.

Primary inspiration of Confucius. Predated all the other philosophers mentioned here and cannot be categorized into any of the traditional schools of Chinese philosophy.

SECOND SAGE of Confucianism

THIRD SAGE of Confucianism

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Tthe second most prominent of the Daoist philosophers, is known for his eponymously titled text, the Zhuangzi. Building on principles of nonaction, he preached a philosophy of true freedom, nonattachment, and acceptance of life’s changes.

The mysterious founding philosopher of Daoism (from dao, meaning “the way”) and the alleged author of the Tao-te Ching

A Chinese statesman and thinker whose successful reorganization of the state of Qin paved the way for the eventual unification of China (221 bce) by Qin Shi Huang.

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The greatest of China’s Legalist philosophers. He emphasized the idea that political institutions must evolve with changing historical circumstances.

He taught a doctrine of universal love (jianai), which challenged Confucianism for several centuries. He believed the peace of the world and the happiness of humanity lie in the practice of universal love.

The reputed author of the Chinese classic Bingfa (“Military Method,” or The Art of War), the earliest known treatise on war and military science.