SuaveG – The Gentle Path

Chinese mythology, folktales, and literature

governance

  • The Analects – Chapter 13.3

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    Zilu asked Confucius, “If the ruler of Wei were waiting for you to take charge of government, what would you do first?”The Master said, “Certainly, I would rectify the names!”Zilu replied, “Really? How impractical you are! What’s there to rectify?”The Master said, “How uncultivated you are, You! When a noble person does not understand…

  • The Analects – Chapter 13.2

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    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

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    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 12.19

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    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 12.17

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    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 12.14

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

  • The Analects – Chapter 12.7

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    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…

  • The Analects – Chapter 11.26

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    Zilu, Zeng Xi (named Dian), Ran You, and Gongxi Hua were sitting with Confucius. The Master said, “I am a few years older than you – don’t let that hold you back. You often say, ‘No one understands me!’ If someone did understand and employ you, what would you do?”

  • The Analects – Chapter 11.25

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    Zilu appointed Zigao as magistrate of Fei. The Master said, “You are harming that young man!”Zilu replied, “There are people to govern and altars of soil and grain to tend – why must one read books before being considered learned?”The Master retorted, “This is precisely why I detest glib talkers who twist words to…