The Comparison of Chinese Philosophers Essay Example

There are many differences and similarities to both Chinese philosophers Han Fei Tzu of Legalism, and Laozi of Taoism. Some of the things that Laozi said was let nature take its course. He also said, “ A leader is best when people barely know he exists; when his work is done, his aim fulfilled, they will say: we did it ourselves.” The other Chinese philosopher named Han Fei Tzu that was based on legalism, Some of the things Han Fei Tzu said was. “ A ruler makes use of the majority and neglects the minority, and so he does not devote himself to virtue but to law.” These quotes and many other things these philosophers have said have many different meanings and this essay will be explaining this in the next following paragraphs.

Laozi created Taoism, Taoism is the belief of letting loose and letting nature take its course. Letting nature take its course means to let things naturally happen and not try to force and change things. This also could mean do not disturb others while they are minding their own business and let them be and not disturb them. Laozi said the quote “A leader is best when people barely know he exists; when his work is done, his aim fulfilled, they will say: we did it ourselves.” This quote means, a leader is at his best and it would be best if he stays low and in the shadow or background as he leads. This quote could also mean that it would give people confidence because at the end it says “ they will say: we did it ourselves.”

Han Fei Tzu creates Legalism, Legalism is when someone does something wrong the witnesses should tell and snitch on the person. Legalism is also the belief of everyone having rules and if someone goes against these rules they should be punished. One of the quotes he said was “A ruler makes use of the majority and neglects the minority, and so he does not devote himself to virtue but to law.” This quote means that a ruler should make a decision based on a good percent of the people, and he should leave the rest to figure it out on their own. This quote could also be about the rich and the people that have enough money as the majority and the minority is also the poor that has no money or food at all.

Some similarities between Han Fei Tzu and Laozi is that they are both Chinese philosophers. Also, both of these Philosophers have had strong beliefs in leading and making their own village better. Another similarity between the two philosophers is that they both didn’t believe in scholars and book learning. They believed that you had to have the experience something to completely understand something.

These two philosophers, Han Fei Tzu and Laozi had many beliefs and disbelief. On one side Han Fei Tzu believed in Legalism and having laws and those who do not follow the law must be punished. Then Laozi believed in Taoism, which is the belief of letting things happen naturally and letting nature take its course. So, to conclude that both of these Chinese philosophers have many differences and similarities.