path: righteousness lies at the root of achievement and merit.
The object of stratagem is to avoid loss and gain advantage.
The object of government is to guard enterprise and to preserve the state.
If conduct depart from the Way, and the undertaking accord not with righteousness, then disaster befalls the mighty.
Therefore, wise men maintain order by keeping in the Way, and governing with righteousness; they move with discretion, and with benevolence they make the people amenable.
If these four virtues be practised, there is prosperity; if they be neglected, there is decay.
For, when Lord Tang of Cheng defeated Lord Chieh, the people of Hsia rejoiced, and when Wu of Chou defeated Lord Chou, the people of Yin were not discomfited. And this was because it was ordained by Providence and human desire.
The Master said:—
In the government of a country and
