The Mandate of Heaven is an ancient Chinese philosophical concept that legitimizes the rule of the emperor based on their virtue and ability to govern. It asserts that heaven grants the emperor the right to rule, but this right can be revoked if the ruler becomes despotic or fails to fulfill their responsibilities, leading to natural disasters or social unrest. This idea was crucial in shaping the political landscape during the Zhou dynasty, influencing the feudal system and the belief in ancestral veneration.
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