mote the evil-doers and dismiss the upright, and the people will be discontented.
Chi K'ang Tzŭ[1]asked by what means he might cause his people to be respectful and loyal, and encourage them in the path of virtue. The Master replied; Conduct yourself towards them with dignity, and you will earn their respect; be a good son and a kind prince, and you will find them loyal; promote the deserving and instruct those who fall short, and they will be encouraged to follow the path of virtue,
Some one, addressing Confucius, said: Why, Sir, do you take no part in the government?—The Master replied: What does the Book of History say about filial piety?—Do your duty as a son and as a brother, and these qualities will make themselves felt in the government. This, then, really amounts to taking part in the government. Holding office need not be considered essential.
The people can be made to follow a certain path, but they cannot be made to know the reason why.
Tzŭ Kung asked for a definition of good government, The Master replied: It consists in providing enough food to eat, in keeping enough
- ↑ Chi K'ang Tzŭ succeeded to the headship of the great Chi family in 491, when Chi Huan died, by whom he was advised to recall Confucius from his long wanderings. The sage, however, did not return until eight years later.
