The phrase "the way" indicates a method by which one can achieve a goal, but is ambiguous and meaningless without adequate context. In warring states China “The Way” or “Dao” became extremely popular as a governing philosophy as rulers 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” incited debate among philosophers and rulers over who was the correct “Way.” This has 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 the path of influence from Confucius to Laozi, the ideas that provide the context for Laozi's influential treatise on the “Way” and its respective differences will become apparent. I will use this evidence to demonstrate why we should interpret Laozi's "The Ways" and other texts as tools for dealing with 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 days. Although Confucius did not belong to the ruling class, his ideas were considered influential among rulers during the Warring States Period because Confucius offered a way to maintain harmony within society. The Confucian "Way" can be interpreted in many ways, but I think its two main pillars are Confucius's belief in situational morality and his belief in the intrinsic good of human beings. Another notable thing... in the center of the paper... is the rectitude of the beliefs of the respective thinkers. In conclusion, what is the way? Is there a way? Is the road accessible? The way in which a socially constructed ambiguous ideal serves as a rhetorical device that can manipulate readers in order to further the goals of a given philosopher or dominant authority. Just like modern religion, each “Way” examined hints at some metaphysical force, attainable if one follows the path. In the warring states of China, the goal of most rulers was to achieve peace and prosperity for themselves and their people, but also to maintain their power. So what is the way? It's all of the above, but perhaps what connects them all is basic instinct, the inert human drive for self-preservation, and "The Way" is just our attempt to hold on to that hope and the evolutionary need to preserve our humanity, especially in the darkest moments. of times.