Guided Reading Activity

Guided Reading Activity Answer Key

The First Chinese Empires

Lesson 1 Schools of Thought in Ancient China

I.A. Confucius, who was born in 551 b.c., traveled around China teaching ways to preserve peace

and avoid moral decay. A faithful band of followers recorded his sayings and spread his

message.

I.B. The two main elements of Confucianism are duty and humanity.

I.C. It was often expressed in the form of a ¡°work ethic,¡± under the assumption that if each individual

fulfilled his or her duties, then the affairs of society would prosper.

I.D. Confucius said, ¡°Do not do unto others what you would not wish done to yourself.¡±

I. E. Because he believed that education built character by promoting self-improvement, a quest for

self-knowledge, and devotion to public service, Confucius promoted education for everyone, not

only the aristocracy.

II.A. Daoism developed as a system of ideas based on the teachings of Laozi, or Old Master, who

was said to live around the time of Confucius.

II.B. Like Confucianism, Daoism sets forth proper forms of human behavior and does not concern

itself with the meaning of the universe.

II.C. Instead of prescribing particular forms of action, Daoists refrain from interfering with the natural

order of the universe.

III.A. They believed human beings were evil by nature.

III.B. They believed harsh laws and stiff punishments were the most effective ways to motivate

people.

III.C. They believed rulers should show strength rather than compassion.

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Summary and Reflection

A complete answer should include: Confucianism and Daoism were both believed to derive from the

teachings of wise men; both systems of thought set forth proper behavior for rulers and common

people; Daoism is based on a belief that the universe is intrinsically harmonious and that humans

should refrain from interfering in its workings; Confucianism is less philosophical and more practical; it

is founded upon the belief that humans are good and can increase the harmony of the world through

duty and a sense of humanity; Legalism, on the other hand, is based entirely on the idea that people

are intrinsically evil and must be controlled through harsh laws and severe punishments.

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