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[Mana7]

9th Grade Pre-Ap History Class Word Count 544

In sixth century BCE china there existed two philosophies, both which differed almost as much as fire and water. One was Daoism, the philosophy of the care free, and the other was Legalism, the philosophy of strict judgment. Well they differed in most of their ideals including their ideas of government and of culture; they were somewhat similar on their views of education. That is why Legalism and Daoism differ in many ways but is similar in others.
In ancient china the country went through many forms of government including the legalist form of government. Legalism could best be described by this quote “The ancient kings had a perfect virtue and all-embracing rule of conduct, through which they were accord with all under heaven”. In the legalist form of government it was almost like a dictatorship in that everything the leader said would be followed without hesitation. With this nobody else could gain power, which left the country in a state of orderly distress. On the other hand Daoists don’t have a system of government; they just have a way of life. They follow the ways of nature and of Harmony. Since their main goal was to reach harmony they just wanted to cast aside the government seeing as it was hindering their journey.
Culture in these times also contrasted greatly seeing as everyone had different views on life. Such as the legalists who believed that Order and Law were the way in contrast of the way legalists felt that leaving things unchanged and plain as said in the quote “Colors blind the eye. Sounds deafen the ear. Flavors numb the taste. Thoughts weaken the mind. Desires wither the heart”. Daoists wanted to follow Wu Wei by not doing anything while the legalists were always getting things done like constructing the great wall. The legalists destroyed the economy of china by wanting to have all merchant shops run by the government somewhat like what communism was doing in Russia. Daoists wanted everything to be somewhat equal in social ranking while the Legalists thought there were only people in the government and scum on the earth. Daoists thought of their bodies as little universes and thought a healthy and long life was perfectly following the way of the dao.
On the fact of education though the two philosophies were surprisingly similar but one was a bit more extreme in their methods. Both philosophies hated education but the legalists were burning books to stop others from learning. Legalists felt that only people with Daoists on the other hand felt that education just messed you up on your path to happiness. They felt it muddled your mind and made it unable to reach Wu Wei and become in harmony with the world. In the quote “Empty your mind of all thoughts. Let your heart be at piece”.
In conclusion you can see how they differed in their government practices and cultural ways. You can also see how they shared some similar views on education. With these philosophies it’s a wonder how China made that transition form a country of no order to country of pure order. That is why Legalism and Daoism differ in many ways but share similarities too.