The Analects – Chapter 17 (2.1). Rule by virtue

Analects 2.1

The Master said, “He who rules by virtue is like the polestar, which remains in its place while all the lesser stars do homage to it.”

子曰：「為政以德，譬如北辰，居其所而眾星共之。」

Notes

This metaphor vividly reveals Confucius’ vision of ideal governance — when rulers anchor themselves in virtue, they naturally win public allegiance and social stability without coercive force.

“He who uses force under the guise of benevolence achieves hegemony. But he who practices benevolence through virtue achieves true kingship.”(Mencius 3.3)

The essence of ‘governing through virtue’ is this:

The highest form of politics is not domination but guidance; Not constraint but inspiration.