With Heaven’s approval, you can rule. You need only exhibit virtue above reproach.
During the Zhou Dynasty about 3,000 years ago, the Chinese developed a religious-political principle called the Mandate of Heaven. Heaven alone, according to the principle, grants the right of rule to an emperor who serves legitimately only as long as he exhibits exemplary virtue.
For 3,000 years Chinese dynasties rose and fell on the principle of the Mandate of Heaven. The lesson of those millennia seems to be that the loss of virtue eventually leads to rebellion. Seems that people just don’t want to be under the influence of those without virtue.
Think you have the mandate? No, not for ruling China. Can you rule virtuously your own sphere of influence? “What’s virtuous?” you ask.
First, do no harm to yourself. Second, do no harm to others except in self-defense. Third, be patient. Fourth, be compassionate. Fifth…
Do I really have to explain virtue to you? I know you have some idea what makes one virtuous. Have you ever tried to explain it in detail? Try now.
During the Zhou Dynasty about 3,000 years ago, the Chinese developed a religious-political principle called the Mandate of Heaven. Heaven alone, according to the principle, grants the right of rule to an emperor who serves legitimately only as long as he exhibits exemplary virtue.
For 3,000 years Chinese dynasties rose and fell on the principle of the Mandate of Heaven. The lesson of those millennia seems to be that the loss of virtue eventually leads to rebellion. Seems that people just don’t want to be under the influence of those without virtue.
Think you have the mandate? No, not for ruling China. Can you rule virtuously your own sphere of influence? “What’s virtuous?” you ask.
First, do no harm to yourself. Second, do no harm to others except in self-defense. Third, be patient. Fourth, be compassionate. Fifth…
Do I really have to explain virtue to you? I know you have some idea what makes one virtuous. Have you ever tried to explain it in detail? Try now.
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