SuaveG – The Gentle Path

Chinese mythology, folktales, and literature

moral leadership

  • The Analects – Chapter 13.4

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    Ana

    Fan Chi asked to learn farming. The Master said, “I am not as good as an old farmer.”He then asked to learn gardening. The Master said, “I am not as good as an old gardener.”After Fan Chi left, Confucius said, “How petty-minded Fan Xu is! If those in high position love ritual, the people…

  • The Analects – Chapter 12.22

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    Ana

    Fan Chi asked about humaneness. The Master said, “It is to love others.”He then asked about wisdom. The Master said, “It is to know people.”Fan Chi did not fully grasp this. The Master added, “Raise the upright and place them above the crooked—this will cause the crooked to become upright.”After leaving, Fan Chi went…

  • 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 12.9

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    Ana

    Duke Ai asked You Ruo, “In this year of famine, state revenues are insufficient—what should I do?”You Ruo replied, “Why not implement the che system?”The Duke said, “Even with a 20% tax, I still don’t have enough—how can I possibly reduce it to 10%?”You Ruo answered, “If the people are prosperous, how could the…

  • Doctrine of the Mean Chapter 21. The Nine Constant Principles of Governance

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    Ana

    The Master said:“Loving learning brings one near to wisdom;exerting oneself in practice brings one near to benevolence;knowing shame brings one near to courage.”

  • Great Learning Chapter 15. Wealth with Virtue

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    Ana

    There is a great principle in generating wealth:When many produce and few consume,when work is done diligently and swiftly,and expenditures are made moderately and thoughtfully –then wealth will always be sufficient.

  • Great Learning Chapter 11. From Hearth to State: Family Virtue as the Foundation of Confucian Governance

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    Ana

    What is meant by “governing the state must begin with regulating one’s family” is this:There has never been anyone who could not teach his own family yet was able to instruct others.