Duke Ai asked You Ruo, “In this year of famine, state revenues are insufficient—what should I do?”
You Ruo replied, “Why not implement the che system?”
The Duke said, “Even with a 20% tax, I still don’t have enough—how can I possibly reduce it to 10%?”
You Ruo answered, “If the people are prosperous, how could the ruler lack? If the people lack, how could the ruler be prosperous?”
Note
This dialogue from the Analects encapsulates a core Confucian principle of benevolent governance: the ruler’s well-being is inseparable from the people’s welfare. You Ruo challenges the common assumption that higher taxation automatically solves fiscal shortfalls. Instead, he argues for a long-term, ethical-economic vision: a light tax burden allows the people to thrive; when they prosper, the state naturally prospers through stable production, loyalty, and voluntary contribution. Conversely, overtaxing during hardship only deepens poverty, erodes social trust, and ultimately undermines state revenue. The rhetorical question “If the people lack, how could the ruler be prosperous?” reflects the Confucian belief in reciprocal responsibility—the ruler exists to serve the people, not exploit them. This passage aligns with Mencius’s later formulation: “The people are most important, the state comes next, and the ruler is of least importance.” It also embodies the idea of “enriching the people first”, a prerequisite for moral order and political stability. Thus, true fiscal wisdom lies not in extraction, but in nurturing the roots of societal wealth.
Further Reading
Zigong asked about governance. The Master said, “Ensure sufficient food, sufficient arms, and the people’s trust…” “…Without the people’s trust, the state cannot stand.” Analects 12.7 (Yan Yuan)
Both emphasize that the people’s material and moral well-being is foundational to state stability—prioritizing public welfare over state power or revenue.
“The people are the most important element; the state comes next; the ruler is the least important.” (from Mencius)
Though from Mencius, this famous line directly extends the logic of Analects 12.9—ruler’s interest is subordinate to popular welfare.
哀公問於有若曰：「年饑，用不足，如之何？」有若對曰：「盍徹乎？」曰：「二，吾猶不足，如之何其徹也？」對曰：「百姓足，君孰與不足？百姓不足，君孰與足？」
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