An interesting contrast is the later work of Xunzi (aka Hsun Tzu; not to be confused with Sun Tzu), which is a sort of synthesis of Taoism and Confucianism. He tempers the idealism of Laozi (Lao Tzu), finding "freedom from obsession" also in the perfection of the social contract.

A similar transformation occurred around the same time in the West, as the idealism of Cynicism was refined in Stoicism.