China incorporated three ancient philosophies within their lifestyles during the time periods of 600 BCE and 200 BCE. These three philosophies were Legalism, Confucianism and Daoism. Each philosophy had its own way of viewing the nature of human beings, civilization and the world. Legalism believed that human nature was evil and individuals were disciplined by laws, where rewards and punishments were enforced. Confucianism took a humanistic approach in which an individual's action determined whether they were good or bad. Daoism was developed on the concept of the Doa way as the origin of creation and the presence of nature. The individuals believed that Doa and nature was the way in which life should be lived and allow nature to take its course. .
While these three philosophies differed in many aspects, their purpose of life was of the same equivalence. All three philosophies collectively believed that they were needed in order to improve humanity, end conflict and in turn keep order amongst society. Legalism was a Chinese philosophy that emphasized the need for order above all other human apprehensions. In the perspective of the Legalists, efforts to improve the human society by a magnanimous example, education, and ethical principles were incompetent. Instead, it was believed the people needed a resilient government and a carefully formulated code of law, along with a regulating power that would strictly implement these rules and punish harshly even the most minor violations. Li Ma states that, "among the Chinese Legalists the foundations of obedience rest upon the fear of punishment, based on a very strict application of penal law. Therefore, the Legalists, "recommended terrible punishments for those who refused to obey the power. " .
The most essential principle of legalism was that humans were naturally evil and inclined toward unlawful and self-centered behavior. Thus, if humans were allowed to participate in their natural interests, the outcome would be conflict and social disorder.
