The Art of Governance and Moral Discipline in Ancient China
In ancient times, Hanzi said: “A kind mother may have a wayward son, but a strict household has no slaves.” What does this mean? According to the interpretation: “Strict” refers to strong discipline, “slaves” mean servants. It suggests that a well-organized household originally lacks the need for strict discipline over slaves. Thus, if punishment is certain, even laws devised by Lord Shang include abandoning ash on roads.
Furthermore, Hanzi notes: “The Yin dynasty’s law stated that abandoning ash in public places would result in punishment. Zixia considered this severe and asked for clarification. Confucius said, ‘Abandoning ash in public places will lead to burning, causing anger, resulting in conflict, and affecting three generations, making it a justified punishment.'” Abandoning ash is a minor offense but deserves severe punishment. A wise ruler, by overseeing minor offenses strictly, prevents major offenses. Therefore, the average person will not dare to commit a crime.
Hanzi also said, “Silk and satin are considered ordinary; ordinary people do not release them. Casting gold is a hundredfold; thieves do not steal.” “Casting” refers to its beauty. Gold is of great value; thieves avoid stealing it, despite their actions. This is because their desire is minimal compared to the heavy penalties involved. If theft carries immediate punishment, thieves avoid hundredfold gold. Without certain penalties, ordinary people do not release ordinary possessions.
Thus, a city wall may be five zhang high, yet thieves do not lightly offend it. Mount Tai is a hundred ren high, yet a lame shepherd may herd on it. A city wall is difficult to overcome because of its steepness, while Mount Tai’s slopes are easy to traverse. A wise ruler or a saintly king can maintain a high position and wield authority over the country’s benefits. This is not due to any special means, but because of their decisive and rigorous supervision. Hence, the world does not dare to transgress.
Today, failing to employ means to avoid transgression is akin to a kind mother leading her child to ruin. Therefore, failing to implement the methods of a saintly person results in neglecting the duties of ruling. What point is there in toiling for others? It should not be a cause for sorrow! Moreover, a thrifty person standing at court upholds virtue, thus ending debauchery. Advisors and logical ministers discuss aside, stopping licentious desires. The noble deeds of brave warriors are displayed in the world, thus avoiding the dangers of indulgence and pleasure.
Therefore, a wise ruler avoids these three things and handles the arts of ruling subordinates. The clear rules of conduct and ethics are thus maintained, ensuring a respected and powerful life. Every wise ruler is skilled in refining the people’s behavior, making them follow their will and abandoning their despised practices. Thus, a good ruler is respected in life and honored in death. Therefore, a good ruler is a great ruler.
The wisdom of a wise king is the only thing that can make the world a better place.