The effect of the combined work of Confucius, the codifier and interpreter of a system of relationships based on ethical behavior, and Mencius, the synthesizer and developer of applied Confucian thought, is to provide traditional Chinese society with a comprehensive framework on which to order virtually every aspect of life.

There are to be accretions to the corpus of Confucian thought, both immediately and over the millennia, and from within and outside the Confucian school.

Interpretations made to suit or influence contemporary society made Confucianism dynamic while preserving a fundamental system of model behavior based on ancient texts.

Diametrically opposed to Mencius, for example, is the interpretation of Xunzi (ca. 300-237 BCE), another Confucian follower.

Xunzi preaches that man is innately selfish and evil and that goodness is attainable only through education and conduct befitting one's status.

He also argue that the best government is one based on authoritarian control, not ethical or moral persuasion.