Zi Zhang asked about governance. The Master said, “Be tireless in holding your position, and carry out your duties with loyalty.”
Note
This concise from the Analects of Confucius reply captures two essential virtues for public service in Confucian thought: unwavering diligence and sincere loyalty. “Being tireless in office” means maintaining constant vigilance, responsibility, and dedication—never becoming complacent or negligent, even after long service. “Carrying out duties with loyalty” does not mean blind obedience to a ruler, but rather wholehearted commitment to the moral purpose of governance: serving the people, upholding justice, and acting in accordance with righteousness. For Confucius, effective administration is less about clever policies than about the moral character of those who implement them. A leader’s inner attitude—persistent and faithful—shapes the quality of rule more than technical skill alone. This teaching reflects the broader Confucian emphasis on self-cultivation as the foundation of political order: governance begins with the rectitude and perseverance of the individual official.
Further Reading
Zilu asked about governance. The Master said, “Lead by example, and work hard.” Zilu asked for more. The Master said, “Never grow weary.” Analects 13.1 (Zi Lu)
Both stress “no weariness” (diligence) as a core virtue of leadership—perseverance in duty despite difficulty.
子張問政。子曰：「居之無倦，行之以忠。」
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