SuaveG – The Gentle Path

Chinese mythology, folktales, and literature

moral leadership

  • The Analects – Chapter 15.33

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    The Master said, “If one attains a position through wisdom but cannot preserve it through humaneness, even if gained, it will surely be lost. If one attains it through wisdom and can preserve it through humaneness, yet does not govern with dignity, the people will not show respect. Even if one has wisdom, preserves…

  • The Analects – Chapter 15.5

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    The Master said, “Whoever ruled by non-action (wu wei) – was it not Shun? What did he actually do? He merely sat solemnly and upright on his throne facing south.”

  • The Analects – Chapter 14.41

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    The Master said, “When those in high position value and practice ritual propriety, the people are easy to guide.”

  • The Analects – Chapter 14.18

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    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’!”

  • The Analects – Chapter 14.15

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    The Master said, “Duke Wen of Jin was crafty but not upright; Duke Huan of Qi was upright but not crafty.”

  • The Analects – Chapter 13.17

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    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 Analects – Chapter 13.13

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    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

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    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

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    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.”