Religion and Belief Systems

Legalism was the main belief system in the Qin dynasty. Legalism was founded by Han Fei. Han was born in the Zhou dynasty. The Zhou dynasty was always under war by other groups. Han questioned if a ruler following Confucian philosophy could rule an empire correctly. He then decided to make his own philosophy because he did not think Confucianism could be followed to rule well. Han made legalism.

Legalism philosophy is explained in the book “Basic Writings”. It says that the only way to rule is with strict laws and harsh punishments. Also it explains how everybody is naturally evil. This book also says that a ruler has to grasp complete authority from his people. Legalism states that the ruler has to have very detailed laws to teach people to accept their authority. If a person was caught disrespecting the ruler he was supposed to be punished very harshly. Legalism also states that the most effective way to be a good ruler was to never show feelings of affection or kindness. Han Fei said rulers should trust no one including their families.

Legalism affected the daily life of the Qin dynasty dramatically. People in the Qin dynasty had very harsh laws. Since Emperor Qin was a legalist he put many very strict laws into play. Those strict laws didn’t give people much freedom. In a way you were stalked. I say this because guards were every where listening to every single word you say. You felt like you didn’t even have freedom in your own house because you knew if someone heard you say anything about Qin you would be in big trouble. If legalism wasn’t the empire’s main philosophy then I would think life would have been more calm and peaceful then it was. People would be able to go outside without feeling like they were stalked. Also people would be able to have freedom of speech.