6th century BC onward
Eastern Voices
A parallel current runs through ancient China and India. Laozi, the Buddha, Confucius, Mencius and Zhuangzi asked how to live well, govern justly and find peace — arriving at answers that both echo and challenge the Greeks.
Laozi~6th century BCTaught that the wise person flows with the natural ‘Way’ instead of forcing things.
The Buddha~563–483 BCTaught that letting go of craving is the path to end suffering and find peace.
Confucius551–479 BCTaught that respect, good character, and strong relationships build a good society.
Mencius~372–289 BCConfucius's most famous follower — argued every human is born with seeds of goodness.Zhuangzi~369–286 BCDaoist who used the butterfly dream to ask: how sure are we about ANYTHING?
The Buddha~563–483 BCTaught that letting go of craving is the path to end suffering and find peace.Confucius551–479 BCTaught that respect, good character, and strong relationships build a good society.Mencius~372–289 BCConfucius's most famous follower — argued every human is born with seeds of goodness.Zhuangzi~369–286 BCDaoist who used the butterfly dream to ask: how sure are we about ANYTHING?