SuaveG – The Gentle Path

Chinese mythology, folktales, and literature

Confucian statecraft

  • The Analects – Chapter 13.16

    •

    Ana

    Duke Ye asked about governance. The Master said, “When those nearby are pleased, those from afar will come.”

  • The Analects – Chapter 13.15

    •

    Ana

    Duke Ding asked, “Is there really a single saying that can bring prosperity to a state?”Confucius replied, “Words cannot be taken so absolutely. Yet people often say, ‘It is difficult to be a ruler; it is not easy to be a minister.’ If a ruler truly understands the difficulty of rulership and remains cautious…

  • The Analects – Chapter 13.13

    •

    Ana

    The Master said, “If one can first rectify his own conduct, what difficulty could there be in governing? If he cannot rectify himself, how can he rectify others?”

  • The Analects – Chapter 13.10

    •

    Ana

    The Master said, “If someone were to employ me, I could show results within a year, and achieve real success within three years.”

  • The Analects – Chapter 13.6

    •

    Ana

    The Master said, “When a leader’s conduct is upright, people will follow even without orders; when his conduct is not upright, they will not obey even if he issues commands.”

  • The Analects – Chapter 13.2

    •

    Ana

    Zhonggong, serving as steward to the Ji family, asked Confucius about governance. The Master said, “Set an example for your officials, pardon minor faults, and promote the worthy and capable.”Zhonggong asked further, “How can I know who is worthy and capable so I can promote them?”The Master replied, “Promote those you know to be…

  • The Analects – Chapter 13.1

    •

    Ana

    Zilu asked about governance. The Master said, “Lead by example, and then ask the people to work hard.”Zilu asked for more guidance. The Master said, “Never grow weary.”

  • The Analects – Chapter 12.17

    •

    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 12.7

    •

    Ana

    Zigong asked about governance. The Master said, “Ensure sufficient food, sufficient military strength, and the people’s trust.”Zigong asked, “If, under unavoidable circumstances, one of these three must be abandoned, which should go first?”The Master replied, “Abandon the military.”Zigong asked again, “If, under further unavoidable circumstances, another must be abandoned between the remaining two, which…