The Hundred Schools of Thought is the collective name for the various schools of thought and philosophy during China's Warring States period. This was an age of numerous intellectual traditions, each with its own distinctive features. The best known and most influential included Confucianism, Taoism, Mohism, Legalism, the School of Names, the School of Diplomacy, and the Eclectic School. These schools shared some ideas but differed in others, enriching the depth and diversity of ancient Chinese philosophy.
Confucianism was one of the major schools of the Warring States period, represented by Confucius, Mencius, and Xunzi. Confucians revered ritual and music, benevolence and righteousness, advocated loyalty, empathy, and the Doctrine of the Mean, and emphasized moral education and personal cultivation. They believed that prioritizing education and relying less on punishment was the surest path to a stable state and a prosperous, happy people. In politics, Confucians advocated governing through ritual and winning people over through virtue. They called for a restoration of the rites of Zhou, which they considered the ideal foundation for good government.
Taoism, represented by Laozi and Zhuangzi, teaches that the Dao follows nature, advocates governing through non-action, and emphasizes Taoist philosophy and a particular view of life. Its central concept is the Dao, regarded as the origin and underlying law of all things in the universe. Taoists advocate following nature, governing through non-action, and pursuing individual freedom and harmony with the universe.
Mohism, represented by Mozi, advocates universal love and opposition to aggression, emphasizing the welfare of the people and national unity. Mohists opposed wars between feudal lords, championed universal love, and promoted frugality, self-restraint, and the promotion of the worthy. Mozi advocated pragmatism and emphasized practice and seeking truth from facts.
Legalism, represented by Han Feizi and Li Si, advocates rule by law and stresses institutional standards and social order. Legalists believed human nature to be evil and argued that strict laws were essential to achieving social stability and a strong, prosperous state. Legalists advocated rewarding and punishing appropriately
