"A ruler makes use of the majority and neglects the minority, and so he does not devote himself to virtue but to law."
1.) What is the meaning of this quote?
This quote philosophies the idea that a ruler of high regard will spend more time connecting and pleasing the majority rather than the minority. As because the majority (self explanatory) makes up the most of the population, it seems more logical to spend time catering to them. The statement "so he does not devote himself to virtue but to law" refers to the same idea, that by reacting to the mass, you are going in a direction that is logical.
2.) Who wrote this quote and what were they like?
The author of this quote is Han Fei, a Chinese philosopher who lived from 280 BC to 233 BC. He is often thought of as the greatest representative of Chinese legalism for his eponymous work the Han Feizi. in which he synthesized the methods of his predecessors to consolidate the core Legalist principles. He was a member of the ruling aristocracy.
3.) Which belief system does this quote belong to and why?
Legalism and moral law
4.) Do you agree or disagree with the message of the quote? (Explain your answer)
I agree strongly with the message in this quote, as it portrays a logical outlook on a rulers stance, and gives them the best chance of success (in theory)
I do hope I was able to help ^.^ if you would like me to reword any of it for better understanding I can do so promptly.
