virtuous governance

  • The Analects – Chapter 15.33

    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…

  • Mencius – Chapter 2.7 The People’s Verdict

    Mencius once said to King Xuan of Qi: “When we speak of an ‘ancient state’ – a nation with deep roots – it is not because it has towering old trees, but because it possesses generations of virtuous and capable ministers. Yet Your Majesty has no truly trusted advisors left. Those you promoted in…

  • The Analects – Chapter 5 (1.5). Virtuous Rule

    The Master said, “A country of a thousand war-chariots cannot be administered unless the ruler attends strictly to business, punctually observes his promises, is economical in expenditure, shows affection towards his subjects in general, and uses the labour of the peasantry only at the proper times of year.”