 Politically, Mencius defined a more aggressive and confrontational approach than evident in the Analects. In one passage, Mencius suggests that when a ruler forsakes ethical behavior and engages in extreme misrule, he can and should be removed, even executed, without such amounting to regicide. According to Mencius, one who claims to be a ruler but in fact engages in extreme misrule forfeits any claims to being a true, legitimate ruler, and is nothing more than a common criminal who may rightly be executed for his crimes. In another instance, Mencius defines a more people-centered understanding of legitimacy, suggesting that crucial to acquiring legitimate rule is the ability to win the hearts-and-minds of the people. Without that, a ruler might never hope for success. Equally important was Mencius’ affirmation that legitimate government consists of ethical, humane government, or renzheng (J: jinsei).