Gongshu Wenzi recommended his own retainer, Dafu Zhuan, to the ruler, and both were promoted together to serve as high ministers at court. When Confucius heard of this, he said, “He truly deserves the posthumous title ‘Wen’!”
Zixia, serving as magistrate of Jufu, asked Confucius about governance. The Master said, “Do not seek speed; do not pursue small gains. If you rush, you will not succeed; if you focus on petty profits, you will never accomplish great things.”
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 Master said, “If a person can recite all three hundred poems of the Classic of Poetry, yet when entrusted with government affairs cannot manage them effectively, and when sent as an envoy to foreign states cannot respond independently—what use is all that learning, no matter how extensive?”
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…