Printable ScholarConfucianism, Daoism and Legalism
In the troubled late Zhou years, as kingdoms fought one another, Chinese thinkers asked how people could live in peace and order. Three answers lasted. Confucius taught that people can learn to be good and that rulers should lead by example. Daoists, following the teacher Laozi, taught living simply in harmony with nature. Legalists such as Han Feizi said people are selfish and must be ruled by strict laws and harsh punishments. The Qin ruled by Legalism; the Han made Confucianism the training for officials.
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A comparison chart to fill in and a primary source from Confucius
PDFs sized for US Letter paper, in color and black and white.
Three Ways of Thinking: comparison chart
Confucianism, Daoism and Legalism on six rows, from key thinker to who used it, and a question on how each would rule.
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Primary source: the Analects of Confucius
Six sayings in James Legge’s 1861 translation, each with a plain-English line beside it.
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Teaching pack · Grades 5–7
Teaching Ancient China? The whole unit, ready to teach.
Two weeks of lessons in one download: slides to present, notes for students to fill in, and printable pages that use these maps and pictures.
- 31 lesson slides (PowerPoint you can edit, teacher notes on every slide) and 2 pages of guided notes
- 4 illustrated reading pages and a GRAPES organizer
- Maps: labeled, blank, Read and Measure the Map, and a "Where would you put your capital?" decision with the reveal
- Activities: picture studies of the Terracotta Army workshops and the building of the Qin wall, the dynastic cycle (labeled and fill-in), who was who, oracle bones to Chinese characters, the Analects of Confucius, Confucianism, Daoism and Legalism compared, and a timeline sort
- A 15-question quiz, a teacher guide with a two-week plan, and answer keys for everything
Every answer is in the pack. The readings, slides, maps and pictures teach everything the sheets and quiz ask, so no textbook is needed.
Get the Ancient China pack for $7Teaching more than one? Get all six ancient civilizations (Egypt, Mesopotamia, Greece, Rome, China and India) for $29: about twelve weeks of lessons.
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The three ways of thinking side by side
Confucianism
Key thinker(s): Confucius. When it began: In the late Zhou years; Confucius lived 551–479 BC. Main idea: People can learn to be good; children should respect their parents and everyone should do their duty. How a ruler should govern: By good example, not force. What people are like: People can learn to be good. Who used it: Han emperors, who made it the training for officials.
Daoism
Key thinker(s): Laozi. When it began: In the late Zhou years. Main idea: Live simply, in harmony with nature and the Dao, "the Way." How a ruler should govern: Hands-off: do little and let people (such as tired farmers) recover on their own. What people are like: People are happiest living simply and naturally. Who used it: Mostly individuals; also early Han rulers, who used its hands-off ideas so farmers could recover after the Qin.
Legalism
Key thinker(s): Han Feizi. When it began: In the late Zhou years (the Warring States period, 475–221 BC). Main idea: People must be controlled by strict laws, rewards and harsh punishments. How a ruler should govern: With strict laws and harsh punishments. What people are like: People are selfish and obey only for reward or from fear. Who used it: The Qin.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between Confucianism, Daoism and Legalism?
Confucianism says people can learn to be good and rulers should lead by example. Daoism says to live simply in harmony with nature. Legalism says people are selfish and must be controlled by strict laws and harsh punishments.
Which dynasty used Legalism?
The Qin. Qin Shi Huang ruled with strict Legalist laws, and the Han, who came next, turned to Confucianism to train their officials.
When did these ideas begin?
In the late Zhou years. Confucius lived from 551 to 479 BC, and Legalism grew during the Warring States period, 475 to 221 BC.