The Hundred Schools of Thought
Warring states compete for advantage, and philosophers compete to supply it.
- When
- —
- Duration
- 254 years
- Known to
- ± 20 years
- Era
- Classical, Holocene
The insecurity of the Warring States period produces an extraordinary intellectual flowering: Mencius arguing human nature is good, Xunzi that it is bad and must be shaped, Mozi preaching impartial care and opposing offensive war, Zhuangzi undermining all fixed positions with paradox and humour, and the Legalists arguing that only clear law and strict punishment can hold a state together. Rulers hired them as advisers, which is why so much survives.