5.16
Of Zichan the Master said that in him were to be found four of the virtues that belong to the Way of the true gentleman.
In his private conduct he was courteous, in serving his master he was punctilious, in providing for the needs of the people he gave them even more than their due; in exacting service from the people, he was just.
子謂子產，「有君子之道四焉：其行己也恭，其事上也敬，其養民也惠，其使民也義。」
Notes
Zichan, a renowned statesman and philosopher of the Spring and Autumn Period, governed the State of Zheng for over two decades. Confucius encapsulated his statesmanship and character through “Four Pillars of Governance”, embodying the Confucian ideal of the noble man (exemplary person) who harmonizes political efficacy with moral integrity:
- Dignified in Conduct: Rigorous personal discipline
- Reverent in Serving Superiors: Unwavering loyalty to duty
- Benevolent in Nurturing the People: Compassionate welfare policies
- Just in Employing the People: Equitable mobilization of labor
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