Ancient China was a place states were often at war with each other. But it was also a time there were many great philosophers. Confucius is the philosopher _ influence has been the greatest. He stressed the importance of kindness, duty and order in society. Chinese society was influenced by these ideas for more than 2,000 years.
Mencius was a thinker teachings were very similar to those of Confucius. Mencius was born in 372 BC. His father died when he was young, and he was brought up by his mother. He became a student of Confucius's ideas, and was then given an important position in the government of a state. However, when he saw that the ruler was not following his advice, he resigned. For many years he traveled from state to state, teaching the principles of Confucius. He then became an adviser to another ruler. He spent his last years preparing a book of his teachings called The Book of Mencius. Mencius believed that the reason man is different from animals is that man is good. He taught that if the government was kind, then people would be good. He believed that people were more important than rulers, and hated the state when it treated people badly.
Mozi was another teacher was very influential. Born in 476 BC, he came from a family was very poor. He became famous for his unusual clothes and behaviour. Mozi founded the philosophy was called Mohism. In some ways his beliefs were similar to those of Confucius. For example, he considered that government was most important. As a result, he spent many years trying to find a state people would follow his teachings. Mozi believed that all men were equal. His idea of love was different from the Confucian idea of kindness. Mozi taught that we should love all human beings and look after those are weaker than ourselves. He hated the idea of war. Mozi died in 390 BC.
