6.2
Ran Yong asked about Zisang Bozi. The Master said, “He is suited to be an official and he is lax.”
Ran Yong said, “I can understand that such a man might do as a ruler, provided he were scrupulous in his own conduct and lax only in his dealings with the people. But you would admit that a man who was lax in his own conduct as well as in government would be too lax.”
The Master said, “What Yong says is quite true.”
仲弓問子桑伯子，子曰：「可也簡。」仲弓曰：「居敬而行簡，以臨其民，不亦可乎？居簡而行簡，無乃大簡乎？」子曰：「雍之言然。」
Notes
This dialogue between Confucius and his disciple Ran Yong (courtesy name Zhonggong) explores “the art of simplicity in governance”. It profoundly illuminates the Confucian understanding of the relationship between simplicity and reverence — true simplicity must be rooted in inner reverence, not superficial carelessness, revealing the wisdom of “streamlined action anchored in solemn intent”.
Zisang Bozi, a Spring and Autumn period recluse, was known for his minimalist approach.
Ran Yong remarked:
“To govern people with a reverential mindset yet streamlined methods — this is exemplary.
But to govern with inner negligence and outward simplicity — this is reckless oversight.”
Confucianism rejects two extremes:
- “Reverence without simplicity” (e.g., excessive formalism that prioritizes ritual over results)
- “Simplicity without reverence” (e.g., negligent laissez-faire that evades responsibility)
The ideal is “reverence within, simplicity without”:
- Reverence as the core (accountability and care)
- Simplicity as the expression (efficiency and pragmatism)
Here, simplicity serves reverence, never undermines it — embodying the Golden Mean (moderation) in statecraft.
“Cultivate yourself and maintain a reverent attitude.”(Analects 14.42)
It establishes the core of self-cultivation with the principle of “cultivating oneself and maintaining reverence”, which echoes the inherent requirement of “inner reverence”. This clarifies that reverence is the foundation of personal moral cultivation and the spiritual prerequisite for “conducting affairs with simplicity”. Without reverence, simplicity in conduct will deviate from the proper path.
“Be respectful in daily life, be earnest in handling affairs, and be loyal in associating with others. Even if you go to the remote regions of the barbarians, these virtues must not be abandoned.”(Analects 13.19)
It translates the notion of reverence into a practical attitude toward work through the principle of “being earnest in handling affairs”. This aligns with the governance logic of “upholding inner reverence while conducting affairs with simplicity”, emphasizing that reverence serves as the inherent norm for all undertakings, ensuring that “simplicity in conduct” does not degenerate into recklessness or arbitrariness.
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