Executive Briefing: Sovereignty Contingent on Justice
The Zhou Dynasty established Tianming (The Mandate of Heaven): imperial sovereignty is not an unconditional divine right; if a ruler becomes tyrannical or neglects public welfare, Heaven revokes the mandate through famine, rebellion, and overthrow.
1. Regicide vs. Punishment of Tyrants
When asked if King Wu’s overthrow of tyrant King Zhou was treason, Mencius replied: *”I have heard of the execution of a scoundrel; I have not heard of the assassination of a sovereign.”*
2. References
- Schwartz, B. I. (1985). The World of Thought in Ancient China. Harvard University Press.