Confucianism, Taoism and Buddhism constitute the essence of traditional Chinese culture. The relationship between the three has been marked by both competition and complementarity in history, with Confucianism playing a more dominant role. Confucianism emphasized the reiteration of current moral values, and Taoism developed a system based on the harmonization of man with the natural order. These two folk philosophies, however, eventually developed into folk religions. In addition to major religions, ancestor worship and animism also enjoy strong support in China. The Chinese are very pragmatic and worship gods who could answer their prayers. Confucius (551–479 BC) was a Chinese philosopher and founder of the Confucian school of thought, which greatly influenced political and social life in China. His teachings are known primarily through the Analects of Confucius, a collection of "short aphoristic fragments", compiled many years after his death. Although he did not write any books, his students wrote based on his teachings, and millions of people still rely on the philosophy of Confucius as a guide for living. Until the 20th century, Confucianism was the state religion of China. Confucius (Master K'ung Ch'iu), his philosophy emphasized personal and governmental morality, correctness of social relationships, justice and sincerity. These values ​​have gained importance in China over other doctrines, such as legalism or Taoism. Legalism was a third Chinese philosophy, a classical Chinese philosophy that emphasizes the need for order above all other human concerns. At the other extreme was the philosophy known as legalism. Supporters of legalism did not care about Confucian values ​​of an ethical and other nature, as well as the entire universe. Chinese Buddhism entered China a few centuries after disappearing away from the Buddha, at a time when Confucianism and Taoism were the predominant religions in a country the size of a continent and rivaled India in historical antiquity and cultural pluralism. In the early stages of its entry, Buddhism did not find many adherents in China. Confucianism was the official philosophy of China. Confucius himself was not very interested in the ideas of God, the afterlife, heaven, and other ideas that we associate with religion. However, when Confucianism became the official philosophy of China, religious functions were incorporated into it. Confucius, together with his ancestors and famous followers, became objects of worship. Confucian temples were built throughout China, and sacrifices and rituals were performed.