"Heaven, unpitying has sent down ruin on Yin (another name for Shang).  Yin has lost the Mandate and we Zhou have received it.  I dare not say that our fortune would continue to prosper, even though I believe that heaven favors those who are sincere in their intentions.  I dare not say, either that it would end in certain disaster.  . . .
The Mandate of Heaven is not easy to gain.  It will be lost when men fail to live up to the reverent and illustrious virtues of their forefathers."
Duke of Shao quoted in The Chinese Heritage

What does he mean by this?
How does this relieve people of responsibility?
Compare it to Manifest Destiny.  What are the similarities and differences?