The expression "the way" refers to a method by which one can achieve a goal, but it is ambiguous and meaningless without proper context. In the Warring States, China's "The Way" or "Dao" became extremely popular as a philosophy of governance as leaders began to struggle to maintain order and peace within their respective states. In this article I will analyze different interpretations of the “Way”. As products of subjective human thought, these “Ways” sparked debate among philosophers and leaders about which was the correct “Way.” This created what I would call a trail of influence, in which the early Chinese thinkers I evaluate formulate their own thoughts but are also influenced by the thoughts of those who came before them. I will examine and compare the Confucian Analects, the Mozi, the Mengzi and the Daodejing of Laozi. By tracing Confucius' influence back to Laozi, the ideas that provide context for Laozi's influential treatise on "The Way" and its respective differences will become apparent. I will use this evidence to prove why we should interpret Laozi's "The Ways" and other texts as tools for managing the context of their environment. The Analects is a collection of dialogues and sayings of Confucius with his students whose content focuses on how to live and prosper in the context of his times. Although Confucius did not belong to the ruling class, his ideas are considered influential among leaders during the Warring States period, as Confucius offered a way to maintain harmony within society. The Confucian "Way" can be interpreted in many ways, but I think the two main pillars are Confucius's belief in situational morality and his belief in the inherent good of human beings. Other notables... middle of the paper ......ine correctness of the beliefs of the respective thinkers. In conclusion, what is the way forward? Is there a way? Is the path feasible? The path is a socially constructed ambiguous ideal that serves as a rhetorical device that can manipulate readers in order to promote the goals of a given philosopher or ruling authority. Much like modern religion, each “Way” examined alludes to a certain metaphysical force, accessible if one follows the path. In China's Warring States, the goal of most leaders was to achieve peace and prosperity for themselves and their people, but also to maintain their own power. So what is the path to follow? It's all of the above, but perhaps what connects them all is basic instinct, the inert human will for self-preservation and "The Way" is just our attempt to cling to that hope and to this evolutionary need to preserve our humanity, especially in the darkest of times. of times.