Are we humans naturally good? Or are we good because we fear punishment if we step out of line? Legalism v Daoism poses a classical ideological debate that still goes unanswered today. Daoism would lead us to believe that all humans are naturally good, that our life is natural and that our actions have responses that fall in line with the natural world. In a world with no rules, where we all live each day to our fullest and forgo possessions for a life that is rewarding spiritually. This is by all means the ideal world, Daoism paints a picture of a spiritual Utopia and by far one of the more peaceful religions ever conceived. But is it realistic? Legalism offers a much cruder counter point, humans are naturally evil and selfish and will only do good if directed to by a government or set of laws that threaten punishment otherwise. Though Daoism sounds nice, Legalism offers a more realistic view of human nature, greed and survival power our motives regardless of how holy and kind a person appears. Daoism says we are naturally good, Legalism says we are naturally evil.
Maybe Daoism is right and legalism in the yang to Daoism’s Ying. But a question I think everyone should ask themselves when looking at Chinese religions is that age old classical debate mentioned earlier, Are humans naturally good or naturally evil? Understanding this question will help us understand Daoism and the response of Legalism.