Confucius under the rule of the Qin
Portrait of the philosopher Confucius
Before Qin Shi Huangdi became emperor the teaching of the philosopher, Confucius were followed. His teachings were focused in two areas social and political. His social teachings was the proper behavior to an individual and in society. The concept ren which means "loving others" and jian ai or "impartial love" were included in his social philosophy. Having impartial love would lead to an improved world with no wars between states, conflict in communities or dispute between families. His political philosophy is how he thinks a stable government should be controlled. He believed in avoiding physical force and maintaining good order without troubling himself. Confucius favored scholarship and literacy while Qin suppressed it. Qin believed one who doesn't have education is easier to control and would never doubt the empire. Qin Shi Huangdi ordered the burning of books and chief adviser Li Si encouraged the idea to have scholars executed.
"I suggest that the official histories, with the exception of the Memoirs of Qin, be all burnt, and that those who attempt to hide [other works] be forced to bring them to the authorities to be burnt." (Durant,697)
-Qin Shi Huangdi
Painting of the Qin burning books
