Han FeiZi (Legalism)

Han FeiZi was the last major theorist before the Qin united China. Unlike Confucianism, Han FeiZi's philosophies and ideals focused on ruling powers and legal laws instead of righteousness and virtuosity. The Way described ideas that characteristics of a ruler. The general theme of a successful ruler is similar to that of Machiavelli; it is better to rule with fear than love.

In a certain way, Han FeiZi's philosophies seemed self-centered. For example, Han FeiZi believed that a ruler's wisdom and virtuosity are not important; instead, his reputation and "name" are the essential qualities because people would perceive the ruler to be powerful and influential. Furthermore, the ruler must take credit for the ministers' achievements and worthiness while having them take the blame for mistakes. A minister's role is to make the ruler seem perfect. These ideals are what Han FeiZi described as essential qualities for a ruler. He argues that since no one can rule the "four seas" on his own, a ruler must use others in order to create a stable and controllable state.

Following this idea, Han FeiZi said that rewarding and punishing are important actions that must be implemented to maintain a stable state. If one made accomplishments, he must be awarded because he would be motivated to do more good. On the other hand, if one makes mistakes, he must be punished so that he would be feared and will not make the same mistake. Similarly, Han FeiZi gave an example involving a child. Unlike Confucius whom believed that a child should be given all the love from parents, Han FeiZi said that the only way to ensure a child does not turn corrupted is to have government civil actors to enforce laws so that the child would be scared and would not do anything that will cause disorder.

Han FeiZi shared a similar belief as Mao during the "Great Leap Forward". Both philosophies believed that traditions, old ideals, and the past caused instability in modern society. For example, Han FeiZi argued that Confucianism followed a set of old ideals from the Zhou dynasty. By focusing on the past, he gave an analogy that Confucianism is similar to "the man who waits at a tree for another rabbit to run into the tree" and became the joke of the society. Similarly, the "Great Leap Forward" strived to abandon old ideas and items to modernize society.

Confucianism and Spring & Autumn (春秋)

Confucius (KongZi) was born during the Spring and Autumn era of China (春秋). After the fall of the Zhou dynasty, China went into a stage of constant conflict. This period of also known as the 'Warring State' era (戰國). Though China was in a turmoil, Confucius believed that the essence humankind had been the ideals of the Zhou dynasty.

The Zhou dynasty focused on the 'Mandate of Heaven' and morality; therefore, the period was far less brutal compared to the Shang dynasty. Confucianism can be understood from five important aspect of life:

1. Ritual

2. Benevolent

3. Righteousness

4. Royalty

5. Faithfulness

Confucianism was not simply a religious belief, it lived on to be a way of life. These aspects still live on today and plays a major role in Chinese culture. For example, living the way of a 'Gentlemen' (君子). There are many aspects that a 君子 must hold such as being civilized, educated, and setting an example for others. In the Analects, 'Classified Teachings' of Confucianism, there is often a presence of humbleness such as it is 'better to be spare than extravagant...' (3.4). Besides humbleness, Confucianism also focuses on respecting elderly and youngsters.

In addition to loving others, respecting elderly is a heavy theme in Confucianism,  an aspect that is not as much present in Western culture. In Eastern culture, this aspect perhaps led to a more serious separation in social classes. A child's development begins with nurturing the 'natural' feelings of love and respect for its parents and elderly. Furthermore, the Analects often describes the relationship of father and son. The son would always consult with the father for words of wisdom.

What appealed to me the most is that Confucianism is still present in Chinese culture today. Growing up in a Chinese family, I noticed a lot of practices and beliefs are analogous to the ones describe in the Analects.