Discovery Channel :: The First Emperor of China: Personality Scale

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How Would You Rule China?

Emperor of China Personality Scale

Answer the questions below to find out which Chinese emperor most closely matches your own personality.

As the emperor of China it is essential that your dynasty lives on after your death. How would you ensure the imperial succession?

A. Seek immortality so that you can rule forever.

B. Have an affair with your son's wife.

C. Panic when foreign invaders reach your capital and immediately abdicate.

As the emperor of China, you must deal with opposition from within your Kingdom. What course of action would you take?

A. Kill them all, and burn all the books they have written.

B. Tolerate dissent, but only trust and promote officials who share your views.

C. Allow a flourishing of intellectual debate and diversity of opinion.

Barbarian tribes are at your gates, what do you do to save your kingdom?

A. Erect a massive wall to keep them out and serve as a defensive position.

B. Make pre-emptive strikes outside your borders to keep the enemy weak.

C. Devote yourself to poetry, calligraphy and music, and neglect your army.

As emperor of China you must delegate some responsibility to important ministers. How do you handle your subordinates?

A. Keep them under constant watch and violently punish any hint of disloyalty.

B. Appoint capable ministers, but grant corrupt eunuchs too much power.

C. Allow your religious beliefs to influence your choice of ministers.

As emperor of China, you are responsible for minding the imperial treasury. What type of economic policy do you follow?

A. Keep the military strong and commission massive building projects.

B. Make the taxation system more efficient and enhance transportation networks.

C. Lavish funds on promotion of the arts and an extravagant new palace garden.

The emperor of China controls the cultural policy of his empire. How would you handle academics and artists in your realm?

A. Bury 460 Confucian scholars alive.

B. Become a patron of the arts, thus spurring a cultural golden age.

C. Become an accomplished artist yourself, thus leading by example.

As "Son of Heaven," you have a great influence on the religious beliefs of your kingdom. Which course would you choose?

A. Impose a minority religion by force over mainstream Confucian beliefs.

B. Tolerate religious diversity among Confucianism, Taoism and Buddhism.

C. Declare yourself the incarnation of a Taoist god and prohibit Buddhism.

Pictures: DCI |

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