2025-04-08
Han Feizi (《韩非子》) 1. What is it? Han Feizi (《韩非子》) is an ancient Chinese text written by Han Fei (c. 280–233 BCE). It’s the foundational work of Legalism (法家, Fǎjiā), a philosophy focused […]
The pre-Qin period witnessed an unprecedented intellectual flourishing, with seminal thinkers establishing China’s philosophical foundations. Confucius (551-479 BCE) systematized ethical governance through the Analects, while Laozi’s Dao De Jing articulated cosmic harmony through wuwei. Mozi promoted universal love (jian’ai), and Han Feizi perfected Legalist statecraft. Their competing doctrines – from Mencius’ innate goodness to Xunzi’s ritual education – formed the “Hundred Schools” that continue shaping Eastern thought.
2025-04-08
Mozi (《墨子》): 1. The Basics: Mozi is an ancient Chinese text named after its founder, Mozi (墨子) (c. 470–391 BCE). He was a philosopher, engineer, and pacifist who challenged Confucianism […]
2025-04-08
Zhuangzi|《庄子》 1. The Basics: Zhuangzi (also spelled Chuang Tzu) is an ancient Chinese text from the 4th century BCE. It’s a foundational work of Daoism, alongside Laozi (Tao Te Ching). […]
2025-04-08
Tao Te Ching|《道德经》 Basic Information Title: Tao Te Ching (《道德经》) Author: Traditionally attributed to Laozi (6th century BCE), though historical details are debated. Origin: Ancient China, foundational text of Taoism (Daoism). […]