The Search for Peace in Times of Chaos—Volume Ǥ ǡǤ ǡǤ ” ͵Ǥ Ǧ ǦǤ Another important concept according to Confucius was cheng-ming, or the rectification of names For a society to be properly ordered, Confucius believed everyone must act his proper part Consequently, a king should act like a king, a gentleman like a gentleman, etc ͶǤ Ǥ The word te literally means power, but the concept has a far wider meaning The power needed to rule, according to Confucius, consists of more than mere physical might It is necessary that the leaders be men of virtue, who can inspire their subjects to obedience through example This concept had been lost during Confucius’s time with the prevailing attitude being that physical might was the only proper way to order a society If the rulers would follow the example of the past, then the people would rally around the virtuous example Confucius knew but one form of government: the traditional monarchy of his native land It was the extension of the patriarchal system to the entire nation The king exercised an absolute authority over his subjects as the father over his children He ruled by divine right He was providentially set up by heaven to enlighten the people by wise laws and to lead them to goodness by his example and authority; hence, his title, the son of heaven To merit this title, he should reflect the virtue of heaven It was only the highminded king who won heaven’s favor and was rewarded with prosperity The unworthy king lost divine assistance and came to naught The Confucian texts abound in lessons and warnings on this subject of right government The value of good example in the ruler is emphasized most strongly The principle is asserted again and again that the people cannot fail to practice virtue and to prosper when the ruler sets the high example of right conduct On the other hand, the implication is conveyed in more than one place that when crime and misery ~ 23 ~ ... highminded king who won heaven’s favor and was rewarded with prosperity The unworthy king lost divine assistance and came to naught The Confucian texts abound in lessons and warnings on this subject of... principle is asserted again and again that the people cannot fail to practice virtue and to prosper when the ruler sets the high example of right conduct On the other hand, the implication is conveyed... was providentially set up by heaven to enlighten the people by wise laws and to lead them to goodness by his example and authority; hence, his title, the son of heaven To merit this title, he