Chinese Schools of Thought

Out of the four main schools of Chinese thought, the most effective way to rule people is confusionism. Unlike legalism, it does not say people should have no opinions just follow rules, and unlike Daoism is does not say there should be no form of government at all. Instead it is a good balance of the two. It creates order in society through laws, values and social hierarchy; while still respecting and valuing the people. Confucius believed the ideal ruler "was to be a shining example of fatherly benevolence and the subjects were to behave as filial children." This shows that confusionism cared about the common people, because the ruler was supposed to act like a father to them. It also shows that they valued order, because the common people still had to obey their leader, and know their place in society.