Page 14 - China
P. 14
Philosophies in China
Life in China was uncertain. The wars were hard
on people. Three new philosophies began during this time
period. The leaders of these philosophies believed that peace
was more important than war. Each philosophy left a lasting
impression on Chinese civilization.
A man named Confucius (kuhn-FYOO-shuhs) was the
most famous philosopher. His teachings are the basis for
Confucianism (kuhn-FYOO-shuhn-izuhm). He believed
that the family was more important than anything else.
He thought that fathers should rule the families. And,
that kings should rule the country. Confucius taught that
everyone had a place in society. It was everyone’s moral
duty to obey the rulers.
Taoism (DAU-izuhm) was founded by Laozi
(LAUD-zuh). He believed that people should learn
from nature. Nature has everything right. People
should not be forced to follow rules set up by men.
They should follow rules set up by nature.
The third philosophy was Legalism (LEE-guhl-
izuhm). This was based on the beliefs of Xunzi
(shuhn-ZEH). Legalists thought that life should be
controlled through discipline and laws.
Laozi founded
Taoism.
Confucius was an important philosopher.
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