"Counter-Classics - Essence of Chinese Traditional Culture (Third Series)"

Author: Zhao Rui
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-06-01
Features: Generally, the preface as a wise ruler must have the breadth and talent to "greet and govern the world." To achieve this, one must first know people and make good use of them, reasonably set up officials, and clarify powers and responsibilities; second, the ruler does not need to be involved in every detail, nor should he do the affairs of the civil and military officials; third, the ruler must reward and punish clearly, have the strategy to manage civil and military officials, make civil and military officials loyal to their posts and obey orders.
Original text: I once heard Laozi say, "Rule the country with proper methods, use troops with extraordinary methods, and seize the world with the method of non-action." Xunzi said, "The ruler is one who excels in managing others; the common man is one who excels in managing himself." Fu Xuan of the Western Jin Dynasty said, "Let scholars and officials be loyal to their duties and obey orders; let the rulers of vassal states be given land and defend it; let the three dukes of the court oversee the affairs of the world and participate in politics and deliberations. Then the Son of Heaven can govern the world with a bow." How do we know this? During the time of Yao, Shun was the Minister of Works, Ce was the Minister of War, Yu was the Minister of Public Works, Qi was the agricultural official, Kui was the director of music and rites, Chui was the master of craftsmanship, Boyi was the director of sacrifices, Gao Yao was the judge, and Yi was the tamer of beasts for warfare. Yao did not do any of these specific tasks, but calmly acted as his ruler. Why were these nine people willing to bow to his authority? This was because Yao understood the strengths of these nine people and used them accordingly, allowing them to each achieve great accomplishments. Yao ruled the world through their achievements.
Emperor Gaozu of Han said, "To plan strategies in the tent and win battles a thousand miles away, I am no match for Zhang Liang; to stabilize the state, pacify the people, supply the army, and ensure the food supply, I am no match for Xiao He; to command a million troops, fight and win, and conquer, I am no match for Han Xin. These three are all outstanding talents. But I can use them, and this is why I seized the world."
Therefore, knowing people is the way of the king; knowing matters is the way of the minister. The intangible is the master of the tangible; the unseen source is the root of all affairs. The drum does not interfere with the five tones but is the master of the five tones. Those who grasp the true essence of the ruler's way do not do the affairs of civil and military officials but become the highest ruler of the country. The ruler adheres to this principle, and the officials know what they should do—this has been the case since ancient times. Because the ruler understands this principle, he treats what is not his as if it were his own. Those who do so truly understand the ruler's way.
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