Xunzi's approach to governance most closely reflected the principles of which ideology?

Xunzi's approach to governance aligns most closely with Confucianism due to his emphasis on the inherent nature of humans and the importance of education and moral cultivation in achieving a well-ordered society. Unlike other philosophies, Xunzi believed that human nature is fundamentally self-interested and that individuals can be shaped for the better through rigorous learning and adherence to societal norms. He advocated for the cultivation of virtues and the implementation of rituals and ethical behavior as essential for maintaining order and harmony in society.

Xunzi's ideas reflect a Confucian belief in the potential for humans to improve themselves through discipline and education, distinguishing it from Daoism, which focuses on natural harmony and the Dao, and Legalism, which prioritizes strict laws and harsh punishments to maintain social order. Hinduism, while rich in its own governance principles, operates within a different cultural and philosophical framework that does not relate directly to Xunzi's ideas on human nature and governance.