Asoka vs. Shi Huangdi: Should a country be lead with an iron fist or a gentle hand? Asoka was an Indian emperor who initially conquered through war but later converted to Buddhism and ruled with compassion, using edicts to promote ethics and kindness. In contrast, Shi Huangdi of China believed force was needed to achieve peace, oppressing scholars and forcing labor camps to construct defenses. While both rulers built empires, Asoka emphasized love and ethics over violence, hoping to spread goodwill, whereas Shi Huangdi relied on fear to maintain control and expansion at the cost of human lives. The debate remains as to whether a gentler or stronger approach leads to a better lasting realm.