SuaveG – The Gentle Path

Chinese mythology, folktales, and literature

leading by example

  • Mencius – Chapter 14.9

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    Ana

    Mencius stresses self-exemplification. If one fails to live by the moral Way, even his spouse and children won’t follow it; commanding others against the Way makes one’s orders unheeded at home, proving self-cultivation is the root of leadership.

  • The Analects – Chapter 13.6

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    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 13.1

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    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 12.19

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    Ana

    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 12.18

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    Ana

    Ji Kangzi was troubled by theft and asked Confucius for advice. Confucius replied, “If you yourself did not desire stolen goods, even if you offered rewards for stealing, people would not steal.”

  • The Analects – Chapter 12.17

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    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 172 (7.24). Confucius’ ‌pedagogical transparency

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    Juan

    7.24 The Master said, “My students, I know you think that there is something I am keeping from you. There is nothing at all that I keep from you. I take no steps about which I do not consult you, my students. Were it otherwise, I should not be Qiu.”