When He Chooses The Labours Which Are Proper,
And Makes Them Labour On Them, Who Will Repine?
When his desires
are set on benevolent government, and he secures it, who will
accuse him of covetousness?
Whether he has to do with many
people or few, or with things great or small, he does not dare to
indicate any disrespect; - is not this to maintain a dignified ease
without any pride? He adjusts his clothes and cap, and throws a
dignity into his looks, so that, thus dignified, he is looked at with
awe; - is not this to be majestic without being fierce?'
3. Tsze-chang then asked, 'What are meant by the four bad
things?' The Master said, 'To put the people to death without having
instructed them; - this is called cruelty. To require from them,
suddenly, the full tale of work, without having given them
warning; - this is called oppression. To issue orders as if without
urgency, at first, and, when the time comes, to insist on them with
severity; - this is called injury. And, generally, in the giving pay
or rewards to men, to do it in a stingy way; - this is called acting
the part of a mere official.'
CHAP III. 1. The Master said, 'Without recognising the
ordinances of Heaven, it is impossible to be a superior man.
2. 'Without an acquaintance with the rules of Propriety, it is
impossible for the character to be established.
3. 'Without knowing the force of words, it is impossible to
know men.'
End of THE CHINESE CLASSICS (CONFUCIAN ANALECTS) by James Legge
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