Duke Ai asked You Ruo, “In this year of famine, state revenues are insufficient—what should I do?”You Ruo replied, “Why not implement the che system?”The Duke said, “Even with a 20% tax, I still don’t have enough—how can I possibly reduce it to 10%?”You Ruo answered, “If the people are prosperous, how could the…
There is a great principle in generating wealth:When many produce and few consume,when work is done diligently and swiftly,and expenditures are made moderately and thoughtfully –then wealth will always be sufficient.
Peng Geng asked Mencius: “You travel with dozens of carriages and hundreds of followers, eating your way through the feudal states – isn’t that excessive?”
Mencius said: “If a state respects the virtuous and employs the capable, placing outstanding individuals in office, then scholars throughout the land will rejoice and wish to serve in its court.”