Kelly
McCusker-Brown Editorial
Article 2-5-12
Qin’s
Worst Choice Yet
The
Emperor of Qin decides to become a legalist. Qin says, “I want control over my
dynasty so my officials and I decide we should have many edicts and harsh
punishments for those who disobey.” Legalists believe that people are basically
bad. This is not the smartest choice, Qin’s terrible decision on becoming a
legalist will harm China.
Instead
of continuing Confucius teachings like the other dynasties Qin chose legalism.
This means China will have less education for the common man. Now there will be
many edicts and harsh punishments for those who do the littlest crimes. It is
illegal to whine about Qin’s government. If you even suggest things might be
improved you will be put to death without a trial. Lastly the philosophy of
legalism might start a rebellion. This could be a big mistake for the Qin
dynasty because people will not enjoy the harsh punishments and they will start
going against Qin. Qin should have never gone with legalism.
However,
others think following the ways of legalism instead of Confucianism was the
best choice. Others think Qin’s decision on legalism is necessary to unite
China. Some people believe that legalism gives the people of China more
discipline needed to work hard, but it might make them rebel. Others say
legalism is a great way for Qin to have control over his dynasty, but who wants
to live in a dynasty with such tight control? Lastly people might think there
would be less education and more time for work sense Confucianism is banned.
“Yes, people will spend less time studying Confucianism, but they will spend
more time dealing with the harsh punishments of legalism.” However, these
people are wrong because people who do the littlest things get harshly
punished.
China’s
philosophy should be Confucianism not legalism. This will keep China together
and the Qin dynasty would last much longer if we followed Confucius teachings.
How will Qin’s decision affect China?
No comments:
Post a Comment