On the theory of human nature, Dong Zhongshu also changed the philosophical views of his predecessors and put forward his unique and directly practical "theory of three qualities of nature". He divided human nature into three categories, one of which is "the nature of the saint." People with this kind of human nature are born with kindness and do not need acquired education and influence, and only emperors and sages have it. He further pointed out that "Heaven" endows the supreme rulers with the "nature of saints" and makes them noble and pure, because they are responsible for educating and ruling the people. Obviously, consistent with his other theories, Dong Zhongshu's theory of human nature also serves to standardize and strengthen imperial power.