ruler-minister relationship

The Analects – Chapter 12.11

February 5, 2026

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Ana

Duke Jing of Qi asked Confucius about governance. Confucius replied, “Let the ruler be a ruler, the minister be a minister, the father be a father, and the son be a son.”The Duke said, “Excellent! Indeed, if rulers do not act as rulers, ministers do not act as ministers, fathers do not act as…
Mencius – Chapter 8.3 Reciprocity over obedience: Conditional loyalty

January 13, 2026

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Ana

Mencius said to King Xuan of Qi: “If a ruler treats his ministers as his own hands and feet, they will treat him as their heart and mind.If he treats them like dogs or horses, they will regard him as a mere stranger.If he treats them like dust or weeds – worthless and disposable…
Mencius – Chapter 4.2 The minister who cannot be summoned

December 29, 2025

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Ana

Mencius was about to call upon the King of Qi. The king sent a messenger saying: “I really should visit you myself, but I’ve caught a cold and can’t be exposed to wind. Tomorrow morning I’ll hold court – would it be possible for you to come and see me there?”
Mencius – Chapter 2.9 Don’t carve the jade yourself

December 22, 2025

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Ana

Serving the Ruler with the Dao is a very important Confucian Principle. The following dialogue between Mencius and King Xuan of Qi is a fine illustration of this philosophy.