The influence of Confucianism, Taoism and Buddhism on Chinese culture was discussed.

The Chinese legends say that in the beginning, there was only chaos and Yin and Yang, two primordial opposing forces, came together to bring about the universe.The constant change that characterizes life was produced by the continuing interaction of the two opposites.

For Chinese thought, it is necessary to accept the changing nature of life, not blindly, but with intelligence, and adapt to it and work with it, the same way that a farmer works with nature, planting seeds in the appropriate season and harvesting crops when they are ripe.This is the mark of the wise ruler.As John M Koller explains in his book Asian Philosophies, the ruler must understand this so that he can respond spontaneously and harmoniously to any problem that arises.

Much has been made of the irreconcilable differences between Confucianism and Taoism, but perhaps they can be seen as just another example of Yin and Yang, just as the one Truth that is beyond them both is.

Confucianism is thought to have influenced Chinese civilization over the last 2000 years.The high value given to learning and the importance of self-cultivation and family relationships are all Confucian in character, which is why it was compulsory for all public schools to display an effigy of Confucius.The magic of Chinese medicine and the martial arts, as well as those well-known paintings where a tiny human figure is shown on the top of a mountain, reveal the influence of Taoists.

We must not forget the influence of Buddhism.The Minister of War of one of the emperors was a Buddhist monk and Buddhism was pervasive in the Imperial Court.

Three ways of attaining the self-transformation and perfection of human beings are summed up by Koller.The Confucian way cultivates human nature and social virtues.Through meditative insight into the mind is the Buddhist way.

The ideal ruler was one who cultivated his own conduct, identified with the interests and well-being of the state, and was friendly to foreigners.The small principle according to which each individual merely looks after his own interests was opposed to the so-called Great Principle.

Many of the Chinese cultural characteristics, such as respect for education and the importance of family and social relationships, have not changed since the Cultural Revolution led by the "Gang of Four".

The movement to modernise China in line with Western values and technology led to a downgrading of Confucianism.In the last few years, there have been moves to rehabilitate Confucius.There are more than a thousand Confucian schools in 120 countries around the world.

The Chinese government's move is seen as cynical by many Western observers due to the fact that Confucius taught respect for authority.As philosophers in the classical tradition, we are happy that the timeless teachings of Confucius are being made available to millions of people across China and the world.