After reading this I believe the Silk Road had negative effects as well as positive ones. While it helped spread culture and trade, it also spread deadly diseases. It's pointed out that the Black Death actually started in Asia (surprisingly) not Europe like most us thought.

This line points out a negative impact of Confucianism by showing how its values reinforced a system where men held most of the power. Women were expected to follow strict roles within the family and had little independence or authority, which led to long-term inequality.

I believe this text explains that Confucianism focused more on ethics and social order than on worship or religion. Because it wasn’t religious in nature, it allowed the Emperor to claim divine approval through the “Mandate of Heaven” without turning the government into a religious state. This helped keep political power and religion connected, but not fully merged.

Ruling an empire in such a way that brings forth wholesomeness, abundance, and unity. Is honestly the best way a country should be led, and I wish this would be applied to America.

From this text i believe a ruler should care for the people the same way a parent cares for their kids. It suggests that leadership isn't just about control or power but responsibility, protection, and genuinely wanting what's best for those being led.

This text simply explains that culture is shaped by groups, shared ideas, and interactions with others rather than by one individual acting independently.

This line emphasizes complete authority while also stressing fairness. "I rule all under Heaven" suggests power that goes beyond ordinary leadership. Its made clear that this power isn't meant to favor one group over another. The statement presents leadership as both absolute and just, implying that true authority carries responsibility, not bias.