Chapter 6: The Unification of China 1. According to the chapter introduction, in what ways were the Qin and Han Dynasties like the Achaemenid rulers of Persia? They were similar in that they both ruled through an elaborate bureaucracy and built roads that linked various regions 2. Why did the political and economic chaos of the Era of the Warring States (at the end ofthe Zhou Dynasty) result in such a remarkable cultural flowering? What form did that “flowering” take? Because it forced people to ref lect upon human existence and a person’s role in society. New schools of thought emerged: Confucianism, Daoism, and Legalism 3. What were the Analects? A collection of Confucius’ sayings and teachings recorded by his disciples. 4. Describe Confucius’ main ideas regarding good government and education. Good government is achieved by filling official positions with educated “superior” people 5. Describe Confucian values and view of human nature. How did these values relate to his desire for a stable, prosperous society? -Wise, fair, educated, loyal, respectful gov’t officials -Kindness -Propriety and courtesy -Filial piety Confucius hoped to restore order to China by leadership of morally strong people 6. How did Daoist values differ from those of Confucianism? Instead, what ideas/behaviors did Daoists believe would bring harmony to society? Daoism focused on reflection and introspection rather than the social activism promoted in Confucianism. Daoists believed that one must live in harmony with nature and natural order in order to bring harmony to society as a whole 7. Who was Laozi? According to tradition, the founder of Daoism 8. Explain the concept ofdao. What implications did this have for how Daoists believed people should live and interact with one another? “Dao,” meaning “the way,” is the original force of the cosmos that governs the order of the world. It does nothing, but accompl ishes everything. Thus, Daoists believed that people must abandon politics and administration because social interaction would bring more chaos and turmoil.
