 Ideological and political rivals for centuries , Taoism , Confucianism , and Buddhism deeply influenced one another . For example , Wang Bi , one of the most influential philosophical commentators on Laozi ( and Yijing ) , was a Confucian . The three rivals also share some similar values , with all three embracing a humanist philosophy emphasizing moral behavior and human perfection . In time , most Chinese people identified to some extent with all three traditions simultaneously . This became institutionalised when aspects of the three schools were synthesised in the Neo @-@ Confucian school . 
