The Zhou rulers claimed that they had won the mandate of heaven because they believed they were chosen by the gods or higher powers to rule. They argued that their rule was justified by virtue of their moral character, the righteousness of their actions, and their ability to maintain social harmony and prosperity within the kingdom. They believed that Heaven granted them the authority to govern and bestowed blessings upon their reign, but also had the power to withdraw their mandate if they failed in their duties and lost the support of the people. This concept of the mandate of heaven served as a justification for the Zhou dynasty's legitimacy and also as a political tool to maintain social order and control.
