Legalism, also known as Fa Jia, is a philosophical school of thought that originated in ancient China during the Warring States period. It is characterized by its emphasis on law and order, and its belief that strict laws and harsh punishments are necessary for maintaining a stable and orderly society. In contrast to other schools of thought such as Confucianism, which focused on morality and virtue, Legalism placed a greater emphasis on practical solutions to societal problems.

One of the key beliefs of Legalism is its view of human nature. Legalists believed that humans are inherently selfish, greedy, and prone to corruption. They believed that people are motivated by their own self-interest and will do whatever it takes to achieve their goals, even if it means breaking the law or harming others. This view of human nature is in stark contrast to the Confucian belief in the innate goodness of human beings.

According to Legalism, the only way to control and manage this inherently selfish human nature is through strict laws and harsh punishments. Legalists believed that without laws and punishments, people would act on their selfish desires and cause chaos and disorder in society. Therefore, they advocated for a strong and centralized government that would enforce strict laws and punish those who disobeyed them.

In addition to their belief in the selfish nature of humans, Legalists also had a pessimistic view of human behavior. They believed that people are inherently lazy and will only work hard if they are forced to do so. Therefore, they advocated for a system of rewards and punishments to incentivize people to work hard and contribute to society.

Furthermore, Legalists believed that human behavior could be controlled and manipulated through a system of strict laws and regulations. They believed that by creating a set of rules and punishments, people would be deterred from committing crimes and would instead focus on their duties and responsibilities. This belief in the power of laws and regulations to shape human behavior is a central tenet of Legalism.

In conclusion, Legalism views human nature as inherently selfish and believes that strict laws and harsh punishments are necessary to control and manage this selfish nature. It also has a pessimistic view of human behavior, believing that people are inherently lazy and need to be incentivized to work hard. Legalism's emphasis on law and order over morality reflects its belief that a strong and centralized government is necessary for maintaining a stable and orderly society.