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Why Legalism is the most efficient philosophy

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Why Legalism is the most efficient philosophy

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Out of all of the philosophies of Ancient China, I believe Legalism is the best philosophy to follow. Although the rules are strict and can definitely be painful, the aftermath is worth it. It turns the entire state into something powerful and sturdy, also creating a solid, strong leader to lead the state as it continues to grow. Overall, Legalism is very beneficial in the end, and is worth following/supporting.

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Shang Yang and Han Feizi, the founders of Legalism

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Shang Yang and Han Feizi, the founders of Legalism

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Han Fei, also known as Han Fei Zi, was a Chinese philosopher of the Warring States period. He assisted Shang Yang in founding Legalism. Born in Wey, Zhou Kingdom, Shang Yang was a statesman and reformer of the State of Qin during the Warring States period of ancient China.

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The beliefs of Legalism, and what it taught about life

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The beliefs of Legalism, and what it taught about life

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Legalism is a Classical Chinese philosophy that emphasizes the need for order above all other human concerns. Legalists supported government by a system of laws that rigidly prescribed punishments and rewards for specific behaviours. They stressed the direction of all human activity toward the goal of increasing the power of the ruler and the state.

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How the leadership of Legalism functioned and other facts

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How the leadership of Legalism functioned and other facts

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The main goal of leaders who rule using the philosophy of Legalism is to whip their citizens into shape (not literally, obviously). Rules and laws are extremely strict and unmerciful, prescribing particular punishments and rewards for certain behaviours. The leaders stressed the direction of all of their citizens to the goal of making them more powerful and undefeatable.

The Qin dynasty used the philosophy of Legalism to rule, using the strict laws and punishments to build a well-structured and powerful dynasty. The philosophy changed the way leaders ruled in a few ways.

One way was how the leaders would have to be strict to the point where they almost seem cruel, and they would be extremely power-thirsty.

A second way would be how they rule with close eyes on all of their citizens, always watching. If the ruler discovers that a citizen has been misbehaving, they are sure to receive a punishment.

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Legalism had an almost
immediate influence on government in China. At the end of the Warring States period, the Qin dynasty seized control of China. Qin rulers read and admired the writings of Hanfeizi. These rulers wanted to build a strong central government and a well-organized society.

To achieve these goals, they adopted strict Legalistic ideas. People were forbidden to criticize the government. Anyone caught doing so was severely punished. Many people were put to death for disloyalty and other crimes during
the rule of the Qin dynasty.