The Book of Lord Shang

The Book of Lord Shang is an ancient Chinese text attributed to Shang Yang, a political reformer from the Warring States period. It outlines a philosophy emphasizing strong centralized authority, strict laws, and clear rewards and punishments to maintain social order. The book advocates for pragmatic governance over moral virtues, focusing on legal standards to ensure stability and prosperity. It played a key role in shaping Legalism, a doctrine that influenced China's political structure by prioritizing order and efficiency over individual rights or moral considerations.