Tianming

Tianming, often translated as "the Mandate of Heaven," is a concept from Chinese philosophy and political theory. It suggests that heaven grants emperors the right to rule based on their ability to govern well and fairly. If a ruler becomes corrupt or fails to fulfill their responsibilities, they lose this mandate, which justifies rebellion or the rise of a new leader. Essentially, Tianming emphasizes the moral authority of rulers and the divine right to govern, holding them accountable to the people and the heavens. This idea has influenced Chinese governance and dynastic legitimacy throughout history.