Mandate of heaven is a concept introduced by Confucian scholars in the 4th century B.C., meaning that when a ruler, or a dynasty, ruled in accordance with the laws of harmony, the virtue of the ruler would produce prosperity, well-being, order and a government that was good for the people. It is important because rulers whose misrule violated the mandate of heaven, brought down social disorder and natural disasters like floods, famines, and plagues and did not rule for long.