In ancient China, from about 6 BCE to 223 BCE, was a period known as the Hundred Schools of Thought. There were so many problems in China during this time, that there were many different ideas, and ways of thinking created to help solve these problems. One notable school of thought (way of thinking), was legalism.
Master Han Fei is credited with legalism. His philosophy was developed during a time of constant war between the seven states in China. They were all fighting over the control of China. The first emperor of the Qin Dynasty admired his philosophy.
Legalists believe that human beings are inherently evil, and that they are entirely motivated by selfish interests. People therefore can only be controlled by laws. If a law was broken, there would be harsh punishments. For example, there would be heavy fines, or you might be sent to a labor camp, such as building the Great Wall, or forced into the army. The ruler expected exact obedience. Only exact obedience was rewarded. Emperor Qin even sent his son to the Great Wall when his son disagreed with how the Confucian scholars were being treated.
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Legalism quotes
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