ethical statecraft

Mencius – Chapter 2.14 Moral legacy over military fear

December 23, 2025

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Ana

Duke Wen of Teng asked Mencius: “The people of Qi are building a fortress at Xue, and I am deeply afraid. What should I do?”
The Rise and Fall of Confucius’s political career [Spring & Autumn]

December 10, 2025

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Rob

From 501 to 497 BCE, Confucius held successive posts – Magistrate of Zhongdu, Minister of Works (Sikong), Minister of Justice (Da Sikou), and finally Chancellor-in-charge – marking the closest he ever came to realizing his political ideals.
The Jia Valley Summit: Confucius’s diplomatic triumph [Spring & Autumn]

December 10, 2025

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Rob

At thirty-five, Confucius witnessed political chaos in Lu state: Duke Zhao was driven into exile by the powerful Three Huan clans – Jisun, Mengsun, and Shusun – who vied for control, destabilizing the state. Disillusioned, Confucius traveled to Qi, hoping Duke Jing of Qi – who aspired to emulate the legendary hegemon Duke Huan…
The Analects – Chapter 161 (7.13). Confucius’ Three Cautions: Ritual, Warfare, and Health

August 20, 2025

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Juan

7.13 The rites to which the Master gave the greatest attention were those connected with purification before sacrifice, with war and with sickness.