Warlords and regional rulers rose during the period between 476 and 221 BC. They waged bitter wars. So, this period is known as the period of the warring states. Wandering thinkers and teachers of wisdom offered their services to the new lords. Hence, this period is also known as the ‘Period of the Hundred Schools of Thought’. Taoism arose at this time. The principles of Taoism are laid down in Tao Te Ching or The Book of the Way and the Power of the Way. Taoists lead a peaceful life in harmony with nature. Confucianism was the other major philosophy. Confucianism called for a virtuous life.
Mohism and the Agriculture School too exercised some influence. Mohism, founded by Mo Di, preached universal love of mankind. The Agriculture School gave supreme importance to agriculture. They even asked the rulers to work in the fields! These new schools of thought were based on the ancient Chinese ideas of harmony. Ancient Chinese thinkers believed that all development was due to the interplay of the yin and the yang. The yin was the warm and active male force, while the yang was the cold and accepting female force.