This principle of governance was proposed by Guan Zhong (?-645 BC), a statesman in the Spring and Autumn Period, and implies the concept of “state justice.” Zheng (正) means fair, which includes adhering to principles, having a virtuous character, and acting justly. Guan Zhong believed that the state must first and foremost uphold the principle of justice, or else it will not function properly and thus become ungovernable. This sounds almost contemporary, as modern scholars too argue that the state must have a moral character, of which justice is generally recognized as a part. Without justice, no state can be considered properly constituted.

Zheng (政governance) means the same as zheng (正), or justice, which determines the true destiny of all things. Thus, the sages all aspired to rectify both mind and character to find the middle way and further establish the principle of justice, and then govern the state accordingly. With justice, excesses can be curbed and inadequacies made up. The presence of both can harm the state. (Guanzi)