So basically, the fact that one dynasty falls and is replaced by another in a cycle that lasts for 3,000 years is explained in the eyes of early Chinese historians by divine intervention based on whether the ruler behaves in a proper, upright manner. It's after-the-fact analysis that has the virtue of being completely impossible to disprove, as well as offering a tidy explanation for some very messy political history. And even more importantly, it reinforces a vision of moral behavior that is a cornerstone of Confucianism, which I will get to momentarily. But first, let's see an example of the Mandate of Heaven in action. So the Qin dynasty only lasted 38 years, but it's one of the most important dynasties in Chinese history, so important, in fact, that it gave the place its name, Qin. Uh. Can I just tell you guys that we literally just spent 20 minutes on that shot?