Han Feizi, named Han Fei, was a prince of the royal family of Han during the Warring States Period (475-221BC). He and Li Si studied with the philosopher Xun Kuang. Li Si, who later became chancellor of the Qin Dynasty (221-206BC) under the First Emperor Qinshihuang, felt that he was not the equal of Han Fei. But Han stuttered and could not present his ideas in court, which was a serious impediment. He overcame this by developing one of the most brilliant styles in ancient China.

Zhuangzi is the name of the second foundational text of the Daoist philosophical and religious tradition and the name of the putative author of this text, who early historical sources say flourished between about 350 and 300 B.C.E. As one of the two most popular Daoist texts in the Chinese tradition, the Zhuangzi has been the subject of more than sixty major East Asian commentaries since the third century C.E., some of which contain philosophically significant interpretations of the text.

Xunzi, also named Xun Kuang, was born in the State of Zhao in the Warring States Period (475-221BC). He traveled from his native Zhao to the state of Qi when only fifteen to pursue his studies. Soon he became a well-recognized scholar and rose to official posts, including that of magistrate.

Meng Zi, known as Mencius, was born about 370BC in today's Shandong Province. Shortly after he was born, his father died, and he was subsequently brought up by his mother alone. Mencius served as counselor to princes in the state of Qi and later visited other states to advice on government. He received substantial gifts for this, which he considered proper for a man of his abilities (an opposing school of philosophy under Mo Zi did not). After about 15 years he appears to have concluded that while treated with respect, he was offering advice that was ignored.

Laozi

Confucius (551-479 BCE), according to Chinese tradition, was a thinker, political figure, educator, and founder of the Ru School of Chinese thought. His teachings, preserved in the Lunyu or Analects, form the foundation of much of subsequent Chinese speculation on the education and comportment of the ideal man, how such an individual should live his live and interact with others, and the forms of society and government in which he should participate.

Living in the latter part of the Warring States Period (476 BC - 221 BC), Qu Yuan was the earliest great patriotic poet as well as a great statesman, ideologist, diplomat and reformer in ancient China. He has the reputation of being one of the world four great cultural celebrities. The traditional Chinese Dragon Boat Festival is celebrated to commemorate him. His patriotic influence has left its mark on many subsequent generations in China and beyond.