This term means heaven’s work, or a responsibility assigned by heaven. “Heaven’s work” can have different meanings. First, it can mean work done by heaven. For example, Xunzi (313?-238 BC) felt that heaven could give rise to all things. This is an inherent function of heaven; it is neither something humans are capable of, nor is it something they should seek to do. Second, it can mean a responsibility assigned by heaven to humans. Because the authority of heaven is supreme, a responsibility which it assigns is unshirkable.