All three approaches were very distinct but at the same time, they contained certain similarities as well. In my reasoning, I find that Confucianism and Taoism could be paralleled in many ways to find several common grounds. On the other hand, Legalism goes on to take a more unique approach which was much different from the previous two.
Confucianism focuses mainly on social order while Taoism puts its central focus on being one with the nature. Both systems, though through different approaches, promote peace and goodwill among the family, society and with neighboring states. Confucius urged to lead the people with virtue and rituals as opposed to government policies and punishments. He believed that the ruler should gain respect through his deeds rather than achieving it through his status and authority. Likewise, Taoism disliked the emphasis of status being displayed in the political realm. It asked for a light government and asked for a ruler that portrayed a serving attitude. Both systems disliked governments that employed killing and wished for a non aggressive rule. Both beliefs also agree that individuals should foster compassion, humility and moderation for a successful society. Legalism was far different in its ideals and approach unlike its predecessors. Like Taoism, Legalism did not have one founder but several people who shared similar ideas of which Han Feizi and Shangzi are well known. While Confucianism tried to gain total harmony with social order and Taoism searched for the same result in nature, Legalists believed that a strong political structure was the answer. While the previous two believed that politics should be very minimal, Legalism asked for a strict code of law and an emphatic enforcement of it.
Confucianism and Greek philosophy have many differences and similarities in the way their societies were ran. There is the connection between ideas of legitimate political authority and conceptions of human nature; the moral-psychological dimensions of political authority; and the profound differences in conceptions of citizenship and the rule of law in the two traditions.
