Threads · zhèng

政 Government & Rule

Governing by virtue and example rather than by law and punishment.

156 sayings touch this thread

I.5The Master said, To rule a country of a thousand chariots, there must be reverent attention to business, and sincerity; economy in expenditure, and love for…The Master
I.7Tsze-hsia said, ‘If a man withdraws his mind from the love of beauty, and applies it as sincerely to the love of the virtuous; if, in serving his parents, he…Tsze-hsia
I.9The philosopher Tsang said, ‘Let there be a careful attention to perform the funeral rites to parents, and let them be followed when long gone with the…The philosopher Tsang
I.10Tsze-ch’in asked Tsze-kung, saying, ‘When our master comes to any country, he does not fail to learn all about its government. Does he ask his information? or…Tsze-kung
II.1The Master said, ‘He who exercises government by means of his virtue may be compared to the north polar star, which keeps its place and all the stars turn…The Master
II.3The Master said, ‘If the people be led by laws, and uniformity sought to be given them by punishments, they will try to avoid the punishment, but have no sense…The Master
II.18Tsze-chang was learning with a view to official emolument. The Master said, ‘Hear much and put aside the points of which you stand in doubt, while you speak…The Master
II.19The Duke Ai asked, saying, ‘What should be done in order to secure the submission of the people?’ Confucius replied, ‘Advance the upright and set aside the…The Master
II.20Chi K’ang asked how to cause the people to reverence their ruler, to be faithful to him, and to go on to nerve themselves to virtue. The Master said, ‘Let him…The Master
II.21Some one addressed Confucius, saying, ‘Sir, why are you not engaged in the government?’ The Master said, ‘What does the Shu-ching say of filial piety?— “You…The Master
III.2The three families used the YUNG ode, while the vessels were being removed, at the conclusion of the sacrifice. The Master said, ‘“Assisting are the princes;—…The Master
III.5The Master said, ‘The rude tribes of the east and north have their princes, and are not like the States of our great land which are without them.’The Master
III.11Some one asked the meaning of the great sacrifice. The Master said, ‘I do not know. He who knew its meaning would find it as easy to govern the kingdom as to…The Master
III.18The Master said, ‘The full observance of the rules of propriety in serving one’s prince is accounted by people to be flattery.’The Master
III.19The Duke Ting asked how a prince should employ his ministers, and how ministers should serve their prince. Confucius replied, ‘A prince should employ his…The Master
III.21The Duke Ai asked Tsai Wo about the altars of the spirits of the land. Tsai Wo replied, ‘The Hsia sovereign planted the pine tree about them; the men of the…Tsai Wo
III.22The Master said, ‘Small indeed was the capacity of Kwan Chung!’ Some one said, ‘Was Kwan Chung parsimonious?’ ‘Kwan,’ was the reply, ‘had the San Kwei, and his…The Master
III.24The border warden at Yi requested to be introduced to the Master, saying, ‘When men of superior virtue have come to this, I have never been denied the…
IV.13The Master said, ‘If a prince is able to govern his kingdom with the complaisance proper to the rules of propriety, what difficulty will he have? If he cannot…The Master
IV.26Tsze-yu said, ‘In serving a prince, frequent remonstrances lead to disgrace. Between friends, frequent reproofs make the friendship distant.’Tsze-yu
V.1The Master said of Kung-ye Ch’ang that he might be wived; although he was put in bonds, he had not been guilty of any crime. Accordingly, he gave him his own…The Master
V.7Mang Wu asked about Tsze-lu, whether he was perfectly virtuous. The Master said, ‘I do not know.’ He asked again, when the Master replied, ‘In a kingdom of a…The Master
V.15The Master said of Tsze-ch’an that he had four of the characteristics of a superior man:— in his conduct of himself, he was humble; in serving his superiors,…The Master
V.18Tsze-chang asked, saying, ‘The minister Tsze- wan thrice took office, and manifested no joy in his countenance. Thrice he retired from office, and manifested…The Master
VI.1The Master said, ‘There is Yung!— He might occupy the place of a prince.’ Chung-kung asked about Tsze-sang Po-tsze. The Master said, ‘He may pass. He does not…The Master
VI.2The Duke Ai asked which of the disciples loved to learn. Confucius replied to him, ‘There was Yen Hui; HE loved to learn. He did not transfer his anger; he did…The Master
VI.3Tsze-hwa being employed on a mission to Ch’i, the disciple Zan requested grain for his mother. The Master said, ‘Give her a fu.’ Yen requested more. ‘Give her…The Master
VI.6Chi K’ang asked about Chung-yu, whether he was fit to be employed as an officer of government. The Master said, ‘Yu is a man of decision; what difficulty would…The Master
VI.7The chief of the Chi family sent to ask Min Tsze- ch’ien to be governor of Pi. Min Tsze-ch’ien said, ‘Decline the offer for me politely. If any one come again…
VI.12Tsze-yu being governor of Wu-ch’ang, the Master said to him, ‘Have you got good men there?’ He answered, ‘There is Tan-t’ai Mieh-ming, who never in walking…
VI.14The Master said, ‘Without the specious speech of the litanist T’o and the beauty of the prince Chao of Sung, it is difficult to escape in the present age.’The Master
VI.19The Master said, ‘To those whose talents are above mediocrity, the highest subjects may be announced. To those who are below mediocrity, the highest subjects…The Master
VI.22The Master said, ‘Ch’i, by one change, would come to the State of Lu. Lu, by one change, would come to a State where true principles predominated.’The Master
VI.27The Master said, ‘Perfect is the virtue which is according to the Constant Mean! Rare for a long time has been its practise among the people.’The Master
VI.28Tsze-kung said, ‘Suppose the case of a man extensively conferring benefits on the people, and able to assist all, what would you say of him? Might he be called…The Master
VII.5The Master said, ‘Extreme is my decay. For a long time, I have not dreamed, as I was wont to do, that I saw the duke of Chau.’The Master
VII.10The Master said to Yen Yuan, ‘When called to office, to undertake its duties; when not so called, to lie retired;— it is only I and you who have attained to…The Master
VII.14Yen Yu said, ‘Is our Master for the ruler of Wei?’ Tsze-kung said, ‘Oh! I will ask him.’ He went in accordingly, and said, ‘What sort of men were Po-i and…Tsze-kung
VII.18The Duke of Sheh asked Tsze-lu about Confucius, and Tsze-lu did not answer him. The Master said, ‘Why did you not say to him,— He is simply a man, who in his…The Master
VII.20The subjects on which the Master did not talk, were— extraordinary things, feats of strength, disorder, and spiritual beings.
VII.28It was difficult to talk (profitably and reputably) with the people of Hu-hsiang, and a lad of that place having had an interview with the Master, the…The Master
VII.30The minister of crime of Ch’an asked whether the duke Chao knew propriety, and Confucius said, ‘He knew propriety.’ Confucius having retired, the minister…The Master
VIII.1The Master said, ‘T’ai-po may be said to have reached the highest point of virtuous action. Thrice he declined the kingdom, and the people in ignorance of his…The Master
VIII.2The Master said, ‘Respectfulness, without the rules of propriety, becomes laborious bustle; carefulness, without the rules of propriety, becomes timidity;…The Master
VIII.4The philosopher Tsang being ill, Meng Chang went to ask how he was. Tsang said to him, ‘When a bird is about to die, its notes are mournful; when a man is…The philosopher Tsang
VIII.6The philosopher Tsang said, ‘Suppose that there is an individual who can be entrusted with the charge of a young orphan prince, and can be commissioned with…The philosopher Tsang
VIII.7The philosopher Tsang said, ‘The officer may not be without breadth of mind and vigorous endurance. His burden is heavy and his course is long. ‘Perfect virtue…The philosopher Tsang
VIII.9The Master said, ‘The people may be made to follow a path of action, but they may not be made to understand it.’The Master
VIII.11The Master said, ‘Though a man have abilities as admirable as those of the Duke of Chau, yet if he be proud and niggardly, those other things are really not…The Master
VIII.13The Master said, ‘With sincere faith he unites the love of learning; holding firm to death, he is perfecting the excellence of his course. ‘Such an one will…The Master
VIII.14The Master said, ‘He who is not in any particular office, has nothing to do with plans for the administration of its duties.’The Master
VIII.15The Master said, ‘When the music master Chih first entered on his office, the finish of the Kwan Tsu was magnificent;— how it filled the ears!’The Master
VIII.19The Master said, ‘Great indeed was Yao as a sovereign! How majestic was he! It is only Heaven that is grand, and only Yao corresponded to it. How vast was his…The Master
VIII.20Shun had five ministers, and the empire was well-governed. King Wu said, ‘I have ten able ministers.’ Confucius said, ‘Is not the saying that talents are…The Master
IX.1The subjects of which the Master seldom spoke were— profitableness, and also the appointments of Heaven, and perfect virtue.
IX.5The Master was put in fear in K’wang. He said, ‘After the death of King Wan, was not the cause of truth lodged here in me? ‘If Heaven had wished to let this…
IX.6A high officer asked Tsze-kung, saying, ‘May we not say that your Master is a sage? How various is his ability!’ Tsze-kung said, ‘Certainly Heaven has endowed…The Master
IX.11The Master being very ill, Tsze-lu wished the disciples to act as ministers to him. During a remission of his illness, he said, ‘Long has the conduct of Yu…
IX.15The Master said, ‘Abroad, to serve the high ministers and nobles; at home, to serve one’s father and elder brothers; in all duties to the dead, not to dare not…The Master
X.1Confucius, in his village, looked simple and sincere, and as if he were not able to speak. When he was in the prince’s ancestorial temple, or in the court, he…
X.2When he was waiting at court, in speaking with the great officers of the lower grade, he spake freely, but in a straightforward manner; in speaking with those…
X.3When the prince called him to employ him in the reception of a visitor, his countenance appeared to change, and his legs to move forward with difficulty. He…
X.4When he entered the palace gate, he seemed to bend his body, as if it were not sufficient to admit him. When he was standing, he did not occupy the middle of…
X.5When he was carrying the scepter of his ruler, he seemed to bend his body, as if he were not able to bear its weight. He did not hold it higher than the…
X.8He did not dislike to have his rice finely cleaned, nor to have his minced meat cut quite small. He did not eat rice which had been injured by heat or damp and…
X.13When the prince sent him a gift of cooked meat, he would adjust his mat, first taste it, and then give it away to others. When the prince sent him a gift of…
X.14When he entered the ancestral temple of the State, he asked about everything.
X.15When any of his friends died, if he had no relations who could be depended on for the necessary offices, he would say, ‘I will bury him.’ When a friend sent…
XI.7When Yen Yuan died, Yen Lu begged the carriage of the Master to sell and get an outer shell for his son’s coffin. The Master said, ‘Every one calls his son his…The Master
XI.16The head of the Chi family was richer than the duke of Chau had been, and yet Ch’iu collected his imposts for him, and increased his wealth. The Master said,…The Master
XI.23Chi Tsze-zan asked whether Chung Yu and Zan Ch’iu could be called great ministers. The Master said, ‘I thought you would ask about some extraordinary…The Master
XI.24Tsze-lu got Tsze-kao appointed governor of Pi. The Master said, ‘You are injuring a man’s son.’ Tsze-lu said, ‘There are (there) common people and officers;…The Master
XI.25Tsze-lu, Tsang Hsi, Zan Yu, and Kung-hsi Hwa were sitting by the Master. He said to them, ‘Though I am a day or so older than you, do not think of that. ‘From…The Master
XII.2Chung-kung asked about perfect virtue. The Master said, ‘It is, when you go abroad, to behave to every one as if you were receiving a great guest; to employ…The Master
XII.7Tsze-kung asked about government. The Master said, ‘The requisites of government are that there be sufficiency of food, sufficiency of military equipment, and…The Master
XII.9The Duke Ai inquired of Yu Zo, saying, ‘The year is one of scarcity, and the returns for expenditure are not sufficient;— what is to be done?’ Yu Zo replied to…
XII.11The Duke Ching, of Ch’i, asked Confucius about government. Confucius replied, ‘There is government, when the prince is prince, and the minister is minister;…The Master
XII.13The Master said, ‘In hearing litigations, I am like any other body. What is necessary, however, is to cause the people to have no litigations.’The Master
XII.14Tsze-chang asked about government. The Master said, ‘The art of governing is to keep its affairs before the mind without weariness, and to practise them with…The Master
XII.17Chi K’ang asked Confucius about government. Confucius replied, ‘To govern means to rectify. If you lead on the people with correctness, who will dare not to be…The Master
XII.18Chi K’ang, distressed about the number of thieves in the state, inquired of Confucius how to do away with them. Confucius said, ‘If you, sir, were not…The Master
XII.19Chi K’ang asked Confucius about government, saying, ‘What do you say to killing the unprincipled for the good of the principled?’ Confucius replied, ‘Sir, in…The Master
XII.20Tsze-chang asked, ‘What must the officer be, who may be said to be distinguished?’ The Master said, ‘What is it you call being distinguished?’ Tsze-chang…The Master
XII.22Fan Ch’ih asked about benevolence. The Master said, ‘It is to love all men.’ He asked about knowledge. The Master said, ‘It is to know all men.’ Fan Ch’ih did…The Master
XIII.1Tsze-lu asked about government. The Master said, ‘Go before the people with your example, and be laborious in their affairs.’ He requested further instruction,…The Master
XIII.2Chung-kung, being chief minister to the Head of the Chi family, asked about government. The Master said, ‘Employ first the services of your various officers,…The Master
XIII.3Tsze-lu said, ‘The ruler of Wei has been waiting for you, in order with you to administer the government. What will you consider the first thing to be done?’…The Master
XIII.4Fan Ch’ih requested to be taught husbandry. The Master said, ‘I am not so good for that as an old husbandman.’ He requested also to be taught gardening, and…The Master
XIII.5The Master said, ‘Though a man may be able to recite the three hundred odes, yet if, when intrusted with a governmental charge, he knows not how to act, or if,…The Master
XIII.6The Master said, ‘When a prince’s personal conduct is correct, his government is effective without the issuing of orders. If his personal conduct is not…The Master
XIII.7The Master said, ‘The governments of Lu and Wei are brothers.’The Master
XIII.9When the Master went to Wei, Zan Yu acted as driver of his carriage. The Master observed, ‘How numerous are the people!’ Yu said, ‘Since they are thus…The Master
XIII.10The Master said, ‘If there were (any of the princes) who would employ me, in the course of twelve months, I should have done something considerable. In three…The Master
XIII.11The Master said, ‘“If good men were to govern a country in succession for a hundred years, they would be able to transform the violently bad, and dispense with…The Master
XIII.12The Master said, ‘If a truly royal ruler were to arise, it would still require a generation, and then virtue would prevail.’The Master
XIII.13The Master said, ‘If a minister make his own conduct correct, what difficulty will he have in assisting in government? If he cannot rectify himself, what has…The Master
XIII.14The disciple Zan returning from the court, the Master said to him, ‘How are you so late?’ He replied, ‘We had government business.’ The Master said, ‘It must…The Master
XIII.15The Duke Ting asked whether there was a single sentence which could make a country prosperous. Confucius replied, ‘Such an effect cannot be expected from one…The Master
XIII.16The Duke of Sheh asked about government. The Master said, ‘Good government obtains, when those who are near are made happy, and those who are far off are…The Master
XIII.17Tsze-hsia, being governor of Chu-fu, asked about government. The Master said, ‘Do not be desirous to have things done quickly; do not look at small advantages.…The Master
XIII.18The Duke of Sheh informed Confucius, saying, ‘Among us here there are those who may be styled upright in their conduct. If their father have stolen a sheep,…The Master
XIII.20Tsze-kung asked, saying, ‘What qualities must a man possess to entitle him to be called an officer? The Master said, ‘He who in his conduct of himself…The Master
XIII.22The Master said, ‘The people of the south have a saying— “A man without constancy cannot be either a wizard or a doctor.” Good! ‘Inconstant in his virtue, he…The Master
XIII.24Tsze-kung asked, saying, ‘What do you say of a man who is loved by all the people of his neighborhood?’ The Master replied, ‘We may not for that accord our…The Master
XIII.29The Master said, ‘Let a good man teach the people seven years, and they may then likewise be employed in war.’The Master
XIV.1Hsien asked what was shameful. The Master said, ‘When good government prevails in a state, to be thinking only of salary; and, when bad government prevails, to…The Master
XIV.4The Master said, ‘When good government prevails in a state, language may be lofty and bold, and actions the same. When bad government prevails, the actions may…The Master
XIV.6Nan-kung Kwo, submitting an inquiry to Confucius, said, ‘I was skillful at archery, and Ao could move a boat along upon the land, but neither of them died a…The Master
XIV.9The Master said, ‘In preparing the governmental notifications, P’i Shan first made the rough draft; Shi-shu examined and discussed its contents; Tsze-yu, the…The Master
XIV.12The Master said, ‘Mang Kung-ch’o is more than fit to be chief officer in the families of Chao and Wei, but he is not fit to be great officer to either of the…The Master
XIV.15The Master said, ‘Tsang Wu-chung, keeping possession of Fang, asked of the duke of Lu to appoint a successor to him in his family. Although it may be said that…The Master
XIV.16The Master said, ‘The duke Wan of Tsin was crafty and not upright. The duke Hwan of Ch’i was upright and not crafty.’The Master
XIV.17Tsze-lu said, ‘The Duke Hwan caused his brother Chiu to be killed, when Shao Hu died with his master, but Kwan Chung did not die. May not I say that he was…The Master
XIV.18Tsze-kung said, ‘Kwan Chung, I apprehend, was wanting in virtue. When the Duke Hwan caused his brother Chiu to be killed, Kwan Chung was not able to die with…The Master
XIV.19The great officer, Hsien, who had been family- minister to Kung-shu Wan, ascended to the prince’s court in company with Wan. The Master, having heard of it,…
XIV.20The Master was speaking about the unprincipled course of the duke Ling of Wei, when Ch’i K’ang said, ‘Since he is of such a character, how is it he does not…The Master
XIV.22Chan Ch’ang murdered the Duke Chien of Ch’i. Confucius bathed, went to court, and informed the duke Ai, saying, ‘Chan Hang has slain his sovereign. I beg that…
XIV.23Tsze-lu asked how a ruler should be served. The Master said, ‘Do not impose on him, and, moreover, withstand him to his face.’The Master
XIV.27The Master said, ‘He who is not in any particular office, has nothing to do with plans for the administration of its duties.’The Master
XIV.43Tsze-chang said, ‘What is meant when the Shu says that Kao-tsung, while observing the usual imperial mourning, was for three years without speaking?’ The…The Master
XIV.44The Master said, ‘When rulers love to observe the rules of propriety, the people respond readily to the calls on them for service.’The Master
XIV.45Tsze-lu asked what constituted the superior man. The Master said, ‘The cultivation of himself in reverential carefulness.’ ‘And is this all?’ said Tsze-lu. ‘He…The Master
XV.1The Duke Ling of Wei asked Confucius about tactics. Confucius replied, ‘I have heard all about sacrificial vessels, but I have not learned military matters.’…The Master
XV.4The Master said, ‘May not Shun be instanced as having governed efficiently without exertion? What did he do? He did nothing but gravely and reverently occupy…The Master
XV.6The Master said, ‘Truly straightforward was the historiographer Yu. When good government prevailed in his State, he was like an arrow. When bad government…The Master
XV.9Tsze-kung asked about the practice of virtue. The Master said, ‘The mechanic, who wishes to do his work well, must first sharpen his tools. When you are living…The Master
XV.10Yen Yuan asked how the government of a country should be administered. The Master said, ‘Follow the seasons of Hsia. ‘Ride in the state carriage of Yin. ‘Wear…The Master
XV.31The Master said, ‘The object of the superior man is truth. Food is not his object. There is plowing;— even in that there is sometimes want. So with learning;—…The Master
XV.32The Master said, ‘When a man’s knowledge is sufficient to attain, and his virtue is not sufficient to enable him to hold, whatever he may have gained, he will…The Master
XV.37The Master said, ‘A minister, in serving his prince, reverently discharges his duties, and makes his emolument a secondary consideration.’The Master
XVI.1The head of the Chi family was going to attack Chwan-yu. Zan Yu and Chi-lu had an interview with Confucius, and said, ‘Our chief, Chi, is going to commence…The Master
XVI.2Confucius said, ‘When good government prevails in the empire, ceremonies, music, and punitive military expeditions proceed from the son of Heaven. When bad…The Master
XVI.3Confucius said, ‘The revenue of the state has left the ducal House now for five generations. The government has been in the hands of the Great officers for…The Master
XVI.9Confucius said, ‘Those who are born with the possession of knowledge are the highest class of men. Those who learn, and so, readily, get possession of…The Master
XVI.10Confucius said, ‘The superior man has nine things which are subjects with him of thoughtful consideration. In regard to the use of his eyes, he is anxious to…The Master
XVI.12The duke Ching of Ch’i had a thousand teams, each of four horses, but on the day of his death, the people did not praise him for a single virtue. Po-i and…
XVI.14The wife of the prince of a state is called by him FU ZAN. She calls herself HSIAO T’UNG. The people of the State call her CHUN FU ZAN, and, to the people of…
XVII.1Yang Ho wished to see Confucius, but Confucius would not go to see him. On this, he sent a present of a pig to Confucius, who, having chosen a time when Ho was…The Master
XVII.9The Master said, ‘My children, why do you not study the Book of Poetry? ‘The Odes serve to stimulate the mind. ‘They may be used for purposes of…The Master
XVII.15The Master said, ‘There are those mean creatures! How impossible it is along with them to serve one’s prince! ‘While they have not got their aims, their…The Master
XVII.18The Master said, ‘I hate the manner in which purple takes away the luster of vermilion. I hate the way in which the songs of Chang confound the music of the…The Master
XVIII.2Hui of Liu-hsia being chief criminal judge, was thrice dismissed from his office. Some one said to him, ‘Is it not yet time for you, sir, to leave this?’ He…
XVIII.3The duke Ching of Ch’i, with reference to the manner in which he should treat Confucius, said, ‘I cannot treat him as I would the chief of the Chi family. I…The Master
XVIII.4The people of Ch’i sent to Lu a present of female musicians, which Chi Hwan received, and for three days no court was held. Confucius took his departure.
XVIII.5The madman of Ch’u, Chieh-yu, passed by Confucius, singing and saying, ‘O FANG! O FANG! How is your virtue degenerated! As to the past, reproof is useless; but…
XVIII.7Tsze-lu, following the Master, happened to fall behind, when he met an old man, carrying across his shoulder on a staff a basket for weeds. Tsze-lu said to…The Master
XVIII.10The duke of Chau addressed his son, the duke of Lu, saying, ‘The virtuous prince does not neglect his relations. He does not cause the great ministers to…
XVIII.11To Chau belonged the eight officers, Po-ta, Po- kwo, Chung-tu, Chung-hwu, Shu-ya, Shu-hsia, Chi-sui, and Chi-kwa.
XIX.10Tsze-hsia said, ‘The superior man, having obtained their confidence, may then impose labours on his people. If he have not gained their confidence, they will…Tsze-hsia
XIX.13Tsze-hsia said, ‘The officer, having discharged all his duties, should devote his leisure to learning. The student, having completed his learning, should apply…Tsze-hsia
XIX.18The philosopher Tsang said, ‘I have heard this from our Master:— “The filial piety of Mang Chwang, in other matters, was what other men are competent to, but,…The philosopher Tsang
XIX.19The chief of the Mang family having appointed Yang Fu to be chief criminal judge, the latter consulted the philosopher Tsang. Tsang said, ‘The rulers have…The philosopher Tsang
XIX.23Shu-sun Wu-shu observed to the great officers in the court, saying, ‘Tsze-kung is superior to Chung-ni.’ Tsze-fu Ching-po reported the observation to…
XIX.25Ch’an Tsze-ch’in, addressing Tsze-kung, said, ‘You are too modest. How can Chung-ni be said to be superior to you?’ Tsze-kung said to him, ‘For one word a man…Tsze-kung
XX.1Yao said, ‘Oh! you, Shun, the Heaven-determined order of succession now rests in your person. Sincerely hold fast the due Mean. If there shall be distress and…
XX.2Tsze-chang asked Confucius, saying, ‘In what way should a person in authority act in order that he may conduct government properly?’ The Master replied, ‘Let…The Master