Out of the growth, change, unity, and constant warfare of the Zhou Dynasty came what is possibly the greatest single contribution of the era: philosophy. Chinese thinkers started systematically debating ethics and looked for new ways to promote a moral, ordered, and stable society.
One of the first philosophical concepts to arise during this era came from the Zhou emperors themselves. The Zhou entered Chinese society alongside the Shang Dynasty, but by the 11th century BCE, the Shang had become corrupt. The Shang were the first true Chinese dynasty, so there wasn't a lot of precedent for legitimately overthrowing a divine emperor.
After defeating the Shang, the Zhou emperors introduced the concept of the Mandate of Heaven, which is essentially the divine authority to rule. They argued that their victory proved that the Mandate had passed from the Shang rulers to the Zhou, and that the Zhou would hold it until they became corrupt or immoral themselves. The Mandate of Heaven, and the concept that rulers must maintain authority through moral leadership, became a foundational element of Chinese political philosophy.
Other important philosophical innovations came out of the Zhou Dynasty as well. The perpetual warfare led one philosopher in the late 6th and early 5th centuries BCE to propose new moral guidelines for a structured and peaceful society. His name was Confucius. Teaching filial piety, loyalty, ancestor veneration, and a merit-based system of government, Confucius laid the foundations for Eastern philosophy.
Confucius is one of the most influential figures in Chinese philosophy, but he was far from the only one. The Zhou Dynasty saw a flourishing of philosophical thought, spread across an increasingly diverse Chinese state. Laozi, a rough contemporary of Confucius, established the Chinese system of spiritual harmony known as Taoism. Shang Yang was a 4th century statesman who helped found the political doctrine of Legalism, establishing the rules for a transparent and efficient system of bureaucracy that would sustain China for centuries. At the same time, Mencius reasserted Confucian teachings and applied them in new, practical ways. His teachings are still regarded as among the most important Confucian works.
If Western thought began in ancient Athens, then the Zhou Dynasty established the worldview of East Asia. These philosophers laid foundations for Chinese politics, social relationships, and identity that are still relevant to the Chinese people today. According to legend, it was also the peace-loving Confucius who tried to encourage a unique method of eating, believing the constant presence of knives encouraged violence in society. Yes, according to tradition (and supported by many academics), Confucius himself popularized the chopstick.
