Paraphrase

In such of political and social order

The period of warring states reminiscent to the Chinese history and dating as far back as 403 -321 B.C.E was because of the political confusion in the Zhou dynasty. It was at this time that philosophers arose in order to try and redefine the political and social order. Generally three schools of thought appeared during this time. These included Confucianism, Daoism, and legalism.

Confucianism was introduced by Confucius who was the first Chinese thinker who during this time tried to address the social and political disorder. Confucius who lived between 551- 479 B.C.E was a strong willed thinker who did not always agree with other thinkers in his time. He is known for bitter propositions and was unwilling to compromise on his beliefs. Confucius eventual set his course of searching for knowledge from courts since he focused more on principles that were always in opposition to state policy.

Confucius’ intention was to become a powerful minister who was never to be and instead he became an educator and political advisor. Analects represent a collection of Confucius sayings compiled by his students. Confucius’ point of view was moral, ethical and had political connotations. Most importantly Confucius didn’t look at the structure of the state. His understanding was that social and political harmony was because of human relationships as opposed to establishments of state offices.

Confucius focused on the formation of the ‘junzi’ depicting ‘superior individuals who had greater say on public affairs from a more impartial view. Among Confucius’ ideals was the need for a public officer to have a strong sense of moral integrity and capacity to deliver impartial judgments.

The ‘ren’ became Confucius’ creed enumerating a number of values that he stood for. The characteristic implication of the ‘ren’ focused on an attitude of kindness and benevolence. The ‘li’ was another of Confucius values that highlights a sense of propriety. Confucius also emphasized ‘xiao’ representing the significance of family in Chinese society.

Ren, li and xiao became important reference points for Confucius because these qualities were desirable for anyone who intended to become a public figure in the society at that time. Confucius stressed through these values that self control was the key to power meaning that the person was obliged to lead by example.

Since Confucius’ assertions were general, his followers were able to adapt them in diverse settings. Mencius and Xunzi became some of the notable disciples of Confucius. Mencius became Confucius’ spokesman and travelled widely throughout China.

Mencius proposed the ‘ren’ and advocated government by humanity and benevolence. Xunzi was equally learned and served as a government administrator. Xunzi believed that human beings were selfishly pursuing their own interests. Hence Xunzi unlike Mencius laid more emphasis on ‘li’ one of Confucius’ values. Generally Confucians laid a greater emphasis on education and public behaviour.

Daoists emerged as the greatest critic of Confucius and most devoted their energies to introspection and reflection. Laozi was considered as founder of Daoism. This point of view attempted to understand the fundamental character of the world and nature. Daodejing looked at dao as a passive force acting harmoniously with the principles of nature.

Daoists based their thinking on the core virtue as a trait called ‘wuwei’. This principle advocated simple and selfless living. This virtue also proposed less government that according to daoists meant better. Daodejing proposed a tiny world consisting of self sufficient communities.

While Confucius promoted activism and extroversion, daoists saw themselves as offering a counterbalance through reflective and introspective consciousness. Apparently Daoism and Confucianism didn’t restore the much sought after order in the society at that time. This inadequacy gave rise to legalism that was characterized by a practical and ruthless efficient approach to statecraft.

Shang Yang was among the legalist of this time as he also was the duke of Qin state in western China. Power and ruthlessness that were typical of Shang Yang brewed much discontent that led to his murder. Another legalist was Han Feizi considered to be among the most systematic legalists of his time. In trying to carry forth his views and serving as an advisor in the Qin court, Feizi also met considerable resistance that caused him to take poison.

Shang Yang and Han Feizi believed that state strength was founded on the army and agriculture. These became the values of the legalist doctrine. The legalist doctrine became pivotal in the establishment of the Qin dynasty in western China. This dynasty thrived on the values proposed by the legalists and advanced a unification structure in China at that time. Even as the Qin dynasty grew in prosperity, Confucians and daoists became its greatest critics. The emperor of Qin at that time ruthlessly dealt with the emerging opposition. Later revolts against the Qin dynasty would emerge that eventually plunged it into chaos and resulted in its disintegration in 207 B.C.E.

This marked the end of imperialism in China until the emergence of the Han dynasty by Liu Bang. The Han dynasty this became the longest and most influential in Chinese history. Han dynasty was based on a blending between the Zhou dynasty decentralized networks and Qin dynasty’s imperialism. Generally the Han dynasty propagated increased authority and prestige for the central government. This would later lead to the Han imperial expansion that also expanded beyond the borders of China into Korea and Vietnam. The Han dynasty drew on the legalists and Confucian doctrines and this coupled with a largely agricultural economy.

The imperialistic adventures of the Han dynasty would later bring about tremendous economic strain on China. This was occasioned by the military escapades that Han Wudi initiated beyond the borders of China. By raising tax and repossessing land, Han Wudi was able to sustain the foreign imperial policy that the Han dynasty had initiated. However during this reign the social inequality became the result of growing tension where the rich owned the large tracts of land on which the poor worked in servitude. The serious land issues that arose during the Han dynasty were never effectively addressed and this led to the yellow turban uprising. The rebellion by the yellow turbans eventually resulted in the collapse of the Han dynasty.