Kong Fuzi, Laozi, and Mengzi's philosophical conceptions commenced during the Zhou period, in times of tribulation. Their philosophies all came from ancient China, heed a heaven, and reflect notions of the time, but decipher contrasting ways of life. Laozi's teachings focus on the Daoist's aim; a happy life. Kong Fuzi and Mengzi accentuated a juxtaposition between political power and cultural beliefs. .
Kong Fuzi's preeminent mission was the maintenance of order and renovation of society. He emphasized life's greater, eternal destiny. .
Kong Fuzi accredited the threat of man's welfare to the violence and disintegration of traditions within China. He felt it was the liability of an honorable ruler to enhance and ensure a progressive society. Kong Fuzi asserted, above all, the amplitude of man's obligation of appropriate behavior within relationships between man and man, together with man and society. Additionally, he acknowledged the being of Tian (Heaven) and spirits. Despite his paramount concern for the rights of others, ""never to do others what you would not like them to do to you,"" Fuzi's Dao(way) was only comprehendible to those of superior morals and intelligence. He said, ""The noble man understands what is right; the inferior man understands what is profitable."" His hierarchical view is relevant in the Five Relationships,"1) father and son; 2)ruler and minister; 3)husband and wife; 4) elder brother and younger brother; and 5)friend and friend." Although Kong Fuzi became an esteemed instructor for life, he rationalized an informal caste which was hypocritical to his teachings.
Mengzi supplemented Kong Fuzi's teachings. Mengzi, like Kong Fuzi, focused on society, but also empathized the welfare of the people. He contended that, ""all men are brothers,"" and all people are intrinsically benevolent. However, unless people aim to conserve and practice their of benevolence within society it may be exploited by negative practices and neighboring conditions.
