 Why is the singularity of the ruler’s position so important? It is because by the sheer fact of his exclusive authority, the ruler is able to arbitrate conflicts among his ministers and to preserve the chain of command in his state, without which the state may collapse. This explains also the Legalists’ emphasis on absolute obedience to the ruler’s commands, epitomized by the dictum to punish a minister who disobeyed commands even if the results of his actions were successful (Guanzi 45: 913; Rickett 1998: 150). Similarly, the above mentioned dictum in Han Feizi to punish an over-performing minister may be understood in this context: fear of a minister’s high ambitions and of his potential disobedience outweighs other considerations. The ruler’s exclusivity and omnipotence is the sine qua non of proper political order. Preserving and strengthening his authority is the Legalists’ declared political commitment.