Abstract: This paper discusses the polydi rectional choice of values by confucianists ,Taoists, Mohists and Legalis ts of the former Qin Dynasty in their ideological dispute ( namely , the dispute over righteousness and  personal advantage) from two aspects  types of value and standards of value.The paper also gives a brief e xposition on why confucian standard of “ Zhonghe” ( unity of variety) occupied a dominant place in the traditional culture and on the historical cause of its formation and influence.

Key words: traditional culture, theory of value