Question

By what means can the ruler influence his subjects in confucian thought

Answer 1

Confucius is a Chinese philosopher and politician during the 6th century B.C. According to him, an ideal leader is the one who uses moral force over his followers. He should embody the virtues by giving good treatment to his people. A leader should inspire a healthy amount of fear and love. That healthy amount is balanced out by respect. If you treat your people well, they will give back the sentiment through faithful and sincere loyalty towards you. I agree to this philosophy. The people should not fear you too much because they may secretly wish for ill thoughts about you. If they are too approachable towards you, it may breach authority. A good leader naturally establishes a line between the two.