ABSTRACT
As used for 2,000 years by Chinese emperors, the dragon is clearly the most appropriate symbol for Chinese authoritarianism. From archeological study, the implications of the dragon were clearly revealed. From the six protodragons, the original real animals evolved into the dragon together with the antlers on the head. This can be separated according to the characters and grouped as (1) crocodile, tiger, and snake, (2) fish and pig, and (3) hynobius and antlers. Each of these had their own implications. The first of these is inscrutable power, which is thought to include traits such as obedience, respect, and fear of punishment. The second one is auspicious expectation, including features such as kindness, taking care, and the superiority of a leader. The last characteristic is represented by the hynobius and antlers. The implication was very clear that all Chinese come from the same ancestor. Hence, we are all in one family. We are all brothers and sisters. From the ancient time, traditional Chinese authoritarianism was full of the meaning of family. Hence, although the emperor is the typical symbol of Chinese authoritarianism, its prototype is truly the father in the family. Patriarchy became the fundamental model of power operation at different levels of organization, including country. In such a culture, the leader in any organization with a clear structure of superior and subordinate will behave more or less following the role of a father. The others will then accept their roles just like family members. In Chinese society, family is everywhere.
