SUN Yat-sen's revolutionary philosophy was summed up by his Three Principles of the People (Sanmin zhuyi). The first is normally called Nationalism (Minzu), the second Authority for the People (Minquan) and the third the Livelihood of the People (Minsheng).
By Minzi, or Nationalism, Sun meant freedom from Manchu rule as well as freedom from foreign economic oppression. He did not feel the Chinese people had enough self-confidence and 'sense of purpose'.
Minquan is usually thought of as some form of democracy, but not all agree that this is what he meant. He certainly meant some form of power for the people, including the right to 'recall' officials. He knew, however, that it would have to begin with military control. He never elaborated on how control was to pass from the military to civilian government.
Minsheng or the People's Livelihood was an economic theory based in part on the thought of Henry George, an American philosopher popular at the turn of the century. Sun rejected both capitalism and Marxism; the first because it was detrimental to the people and the second because it did not apply to China.