Duke Ye asked about governance. The Master said, “When those nearby are pleased, those from afar will come.”
Note
This concise statement from The Analects of Confucius powerfully encapsulates the Confucian ideals of virtue-based rule and benevolent governance. Confucius argues that effective government does not rely on military force or harsh punishments, but on moral example and care for the people. When rulers practice benevolence—ensuring prosperity, justice, and social harmony—the local population becomes content and loyal (“those nearby are pleased”). This reputation for good governance then spreads widely, naturally attracting people from distant regions to seek refuge or affiliation (“those from afar will come”). Thus, political success is measured not by territorial expansion or coercive control, but by popular satisfaction and voluntary allegiance. The saying also implies a principle of “inner cultivation leading to outward influence”: strong internal order organically generates external appeal. It aligns closely with the idea that “governing by virtue is like the North Star”—moral centrality, not force, draws others into harmonious alignment.
Further Reading
The Master said, “Governing by virtue is like the North Star: it stays in its place, and all the stars revolve around it.” Analects 2.1 (Wei Zheng)
Both emphasize that moral authority, not coercion, naturally attracts loyalty and order—internal virtue creates external influence.
Zi Gong asked about governance… “Ensure sufficient food, sufficient arms, and the people’s trust.” Analects 12.7 (Yan Yuan)
Highlights that popular trust and material well-being are foundations of stable rule—prerequisites for both local contentment and external attraction.
葉公問政。子曰：「近者說，遠者來。」
Leave a Reply