Chinese Philosophers

The ruler does not try to work side by side with his people, and they accordingly respect the dignity of his position.

• Legalism

• Confucianism

• Daoism

If a ruler himself is upright [honest], his people will do their duty without orders; but if he himself be not upright, although he may order they will not obey.

• Legalism

• Confucianism

• Daoism

Highest good is like water. Because water excels in benefiting the myriad creatures without contending with them and settles where none would like to be, it comes close to the way.

• Legalism

• Confucianism

• Daoism

When a sage [wise person] rules a state, he does not depend on people’s doing good of themselves. He sees to it that they are not allowed to do what is bad. If he depends on people doing good of themselves, then within his borders he can count on less than ten instances of success.

• Legalism

• Confucianism

• Daoism

The more laws and edicts [official rules] are imposed, the more thieves and bandits there will be.

• Legalism

• Confucianism

• Daoism

To be humble at home, earnest at work, and faithful to all. Even among wild tribes none of this must be dropped.

• Legalism

• Confucianism

• Daoism

Seeing that our body, with hair and skin, is derived from our parents, we should not allow it to be injured in any way. This is the beginning of filial respect [repaying a parent's kindness]. We develop our own character and practice the way so as to perpetuate our name for future generations, and to bring honor to our parents.

• Legalism

• Confucianism

• Daoism

Past and present have different customs [ways of life]; new and old adopt different measures [practices]. To try to use the ways of a generous and lenient [easygoing] government to rule the people of a critical age is like trying to drive a runaway horse without using reins or whip.

• Legalism

• Confucianism

• Daoism

The sage [wise person], because he does nothing, never ruins anything; and, because he does not lay hold of anything loses nothing.

• Legalism

• Confucianism

• Daoism

A Chinese philosophy that emphasizes strict obedience to laws

• Legalism

• Confucianism

• Daoism