SuaveG – The Gentle Path

Chinese mythology, folktales, and literature

The Analects

  • The Analects – Chapter 12.19

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    Ana

    Ji Kangzi asked Confucius about governance, saying, “What if I execute those who are unprincipled in order to bring people onto the right path? How would that be?”Confucius replied, “In your governance, why resort to killing? If you yourself desire goodness, the people will become good. The virtue of the noble person is like…

  • The Analects – Chapter 12.18

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    Ana

    Ji Kangzi was troubled by theft and asked Confucius for advice. Confucius replied, “If you yourself did not desire stolen goods, even if you offered rewards for stealing, people would not steal.”

  • The Analects – Chapter 12.17

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    Ana

    Ji Kangzi asked Confucius about governance. Confucius replied, “The word ‘governance’ means ‘rectitude’. If you yourself lead by being upright, who would dare not to be upright?”

  • The Analects – Chapter 12.16

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    Ana

    The Master said, “The noble person helps others fulfill their good intentions and does not assist them in doing wrong. The petty person does the opposite.”

  • The Analects – Chapter 12.15

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    Ana

    The Master said, “If the noble person studies widely in cultural texts and disciplines himself with ritual propriety, he will not stray from the right path!”

  • The Analects – Chapter 12.14

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    Ana

    Zi Zhang asked about governance. The Master said, “Be tireless in holding your position, and carry out your duties with loyalty.”

  • The Analects – Chapter 12.13

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    Ana

    The Master said, “In hearing lawsuits, I am no different from others; what I truly aim for is that there be no lawsuits at all!”

  • The Analects – Chapter 12.12

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    Ana

    The Master said, “Is there anyone who can decide a legal case based on just one side’s statement? Perhaps it is You (Zilu)!”For Zilu never let a promise wait overnight—he always fulfilled his word the same day.

  • The Analects – Chapter 12.11

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    Ana

    Duke Jing of Qi asked Confucius about governance. Confucius replied, “Let the ruler be a ruler, the minister be a minister, the father be a father, and the son be a son.”The Duke said, “Excellent! Indeed, if rulers do not act as rulers, ministers do not act as ministers, fathers do not act as…