Why should you know these Chinese thinkers?

The most populous country in the world with one of the leading economies is the birthplace of very interesting philosophical traditions, which, unfortunately, are little known in Western culture. And in vain, because these schools of thought were rarely controversial and went hand in hand with the longest continuous cultural history in the world.

Each new school of thought was based on the ideas of the previous ones, which today makes Chinese philosophy an unbroken chain of ideas and philosophical trends. These ideas have become the basis for surprisingly practical approaches to life, social development, spiritual growth, as well as profitable political and economic directions.

Here is a list of the ten greatest and most influential thinkers in Chinese history. Some have heard about some, and some are not so popular in Western culture, but they are worthy of attention, if only to understand the cultural evolution of Chinese society.

Lao Tzu (VI-V century BC)

This legendary philosopher and thinker is credited with almost mythical qualities. Lao Tzu was the founder of Taoism. Despite the fact that from a historical point of view his existence is questioned, philosophy views him as the founder of one of the most influential eastern schools of thought.

Taoism calls for abandoning the struggle of opposites, calling for their reconciliation. Lao Tzu advocated non-conflicting permits and concessions, which, however, were not signs of weakness, but were a desire to master the situation without the situation taking possession of you. One of Lao's most famous quotes says: "In order to live virtuously, you do not need to know about where you came from and what awaits you after death."

Confucius (551-479 BC)

It is impossible to start a conversation about Chinese philosophy and not to mention Confucius. The founder of Confucianism, he achieved that his teaching became a state doctrine and spread as widely as Buddhism in India. His rules of conduct for emperors, nobles, officials, soldiers, peasants and slaves were the basis for the smooth functioning of Chinese society for many centuries.

Confucianism is based on the principles of morality, humanism, ethics and modesty. His famous phrase "do not do to others what you would not want for yourself" has long passed into the world treasury of wisdom.

Mo-Tzu (468-391 BC)

The founder of Moisma - the doctrine of universal love, the renunciation of conquest campaigns and luxury, created a doctrine that for a long time competed with Confucianism for the title of state.

Mo-Tzu first announced the concept of consequentialism, that is, the importance of results. If action or inaction brings good results, then it is correct. Subsequently, many of his thoughts were reflected in the late Confucianism and Legism.

By preaching an impartial love for all people, regardless of nationality and status, Mo-Tzu said: "If there is no mutual love between people, then hatred will inevitably arise out of nowhere."

Shang Yang (390-338 BC)

The Chinese statesman, political theorist and founder of the school of legality, Shang Yang propagandized the governance of the state on the basis of contemporary interests and in favor of centralization and stability.

After accepting his doctrine and carrying out reforms in accordance with the prescriptions of legality, Shang Yan received high status and authority, but changes on the throne led to the execution of the thinker, which, however, did not affect the popularity of his teachings. He was an adherent of meritocracy, strict laws and taxes. Shang Yang argued that "government by the state with the help of severe punishments leads to the fact that the people are afraid and do not commit crimes." In fact, Shang Yan was the creator of the first model of a totalitarian state.

Meng-tzu (372-289 BC)

The most famous after Confucius himself is a thinker and a representative of Confucianism. He elaborated on ideas that were not fully considered in Confucianism, such as the perfection of human nature and the wisdom of moral behavior. Meng-Tzu had a special gift of persuasion and therefore cooperated with statesmen, promoting Confucianism. He managed to isolate and generalize the basic moral norms of the doctrine: wisdom, humanity, justice and veneration of traditions.

Zhang Heng (78-139 AD)

This scholar and brilliant scientist was also a popular thinker. At the age of 55 he became one of the six highest dignitaries of China and was the first to use the rectangular coordinate system on maps, and also correctly described the cause of the moon's radiance. He created the first model of the Universe in China, an odometer and seismograph, and also provided the most accurate at that time value of "pi". Unfortunately, his theories and thoughts were preserved only in fragments, but Zhang Heng paid much attention to education and enlightenment.

Hueinen (638-713 AD)

The sixth and last patriarch of Ch'an Buddhism, Hui-neng was the author of the only Chinese sutra in Buddhism, despite the fact that the patriarch himself never received formal education and was considered illiterate.

His disciples continued to work on the creation of several separate schools of Buddhism, namely Chan and Zen. Huyenen was an adherent of "sudden enlightenment" and said: "One sudden flash of wisdom can destroy ten thousand years of ignorance."

Zhu Xi (1130-1200)

One of the founders and ideologists of neo-Confucianism, which connected traditional Confucian ideas with Buddhist and Taoist influences. He paid less attention to the ideas of Confucius, basing his new course on the Four Books written by Confucius and his disciples. Thanks to the work of Zhu Xi, neo-Confucianism acquired the status of the main state ideology in China, Korea and Japan. He said that "knowledge, but inaction is equivalent to ignorance."

Mao Zedong (1893-1976 gg.)

Leader of the Communist Party of China and Chairman of the People's Republic of China, Mao Zedong was the author of the most published in the history of the book quotes. His philosophy, known as Maoism, united the ideas of Marxist-Leninist theories, Stalinism, Taoism and Confucianism, which enabled this ideology to be applied to the semi-feudal, semi-colonial agricultural society of China. Today, Maoism is one of the three pillars of the doctrine of the Chinese Communist Party.

Deng Xiaoping (1904-1997)

The successor of Mao formulated "Theory of Deng Xiaoping", which allowed to unite the ideas of socialism and an open market economy. The main aspects of Xiaoping's contribution to China's modern political development include the ideas of "socialism with Chinese characteristics", "reform and opening-up policies", and "one country with two systems." Its reforms and actions are often credited with the achievements for China's dizzying economic growth.