Mastering Governance: Confucius’s Five Virtues and Four Evils for Effective Leadership

Zi Zhang asked Confucius, “How can one govern the country?” The Master said, “If you honor the five virtues and avoid the four vices, you will be fit to govern.” Zi Zhang said, “What are the five virtues?” The Master said, “A superior man is beneficent without being expensive, laborious without being resentful, desirous without being covetous, easy without being arrogant, and majestic without being fierce.” Zi Zhang said, “What is meant by being beneficent without being expensive?” The Master said, “If you take advantage of the people’s interests and do the same, is it not beneficent without being expensive? If you choose to labor and labor, who will resent you? If you desire benevolence and obtain it, how can you be covetous? A gentleman is not concerned with the number of people, nor with their size, nor with their arrogance. A gentleman is not concerned with the number of people, nor with their size, nor with their arrogance. A gentleman is not concerned with the number of people, nor with their size, nor with their arrogance. A gentleman is not concerned with the number of people, nor with their size, nor with their arrogance. A gentleman is not concerned with the number of people, nor with their size, nor with their arrogance. A gentleman is not concerned with the number of people, nor with their size, nor with their arrogance. A gentleman is not concerned with the number of people, nor with their size, nor with their arrogance. A gentleman is not concerned with the number of people, nor with their size, nor with their arrogance. A gentleman is not concerned with the number of people, nor with their size, nor with their arrogance. A gentleman is not concerned with the number of people, nor with their size, nor with their arrogance. A gentleman is not The Master said, “To kill without teaching is called cruelty; to neglect to warn and to let things go to extremes is called violence; to neglect orders and to make demands is called treachery; to be stingy in giving and taking is called having the wrong person in charge.”

[Translation] Zi Zhang asked Confucius, “How can one govern?” Confucius said, “Respect the five virtues and eliminate the four evils, and you will be able to govern.” Zi Zhang asked, “What are the five virtues?” Confucius said, “A gentleman gives benefits to the people without spending anything himself; makes the people work without making them resentful; pursues benevolence without coveting wealth; is dignified without being arrogant; and is majestic without being fierce.” Zi Zhang said, “How can one give benefits to the people without spending anything himself?” Confucius said, “By letting the people do things that are beneficial to them, isn’t that beneficial to the people without spending anything from your own pocket? By choosing the time and things that the people can work on, isn’t that letting the people work without making them resentful? Who would complain about this? If you pursue benevolence and virtue, you will achieve benevolence and virtue. If you do not pursue wealth and power, what else is there to pursue? A gentleman treats people, no matter how many or how powerful they are, with respect. This is not being arrogant. A gentleman dresses neatly and does not look askance, so that people are in awe of him. This is not being fierce. Zi Zhang asked, “What are the four kinds of evil governance?” Confucius said, “Killing without teaching is called cruelty; demanding success without warning is called violence; suddenly setting a deadline without supervision is called theft; giving people money and property but being stingy is called stinginess.”

[Analysis] This is Zi Zhang asking Confucius for the essentials of being a government official. Here, Confucius talks about the “five virtues and four vices,” which are the basis of his political ideas. They contain a wealth of “people-oriented” ideas, such as “taking advantage of the people’s interests,” “choosing what is worth the effort,” and opposing the tyranny of “killing without teaching” and “not warning against success.” From this, we can see that Confucius had his own unique ideas about the rule of virtue and the rule of society, which still have important reference value today.

In the quest for effective governance, the teachings of Confucius provide timeless insights. When asked by his disciple, Zizhang, about the principles of good governance, Confucius laid out a framework centered on five virtues and four evils. This article explores these principles, offering valuable lessons for modern leaders.

The Five Virtues of Leadership

Confucius emphasized that successful governance is rooted in five key virtues:

Beneficence without Burden: Leaders should offer benefits to the people without personal cost. This means implementing policies that improve the public’s welfare without depleting the ruler’s resources.

Labor without Resentment: Encourage the people to work diligently without causing them to harbor resentment. This involves fair labor practices and creating a positive work environment.

Desire for Benevolence without Greed: Seek to embody and promote benevolence while avoiding greed. Leaders should prioritize the well-being of others over personal gain.

Dignity without Arrogance: Maintain a dignified demeanor without becoming arrogant. Leaders should command respect through their actions and attitudes, not through pride.

Authority without Harshness: Exhibit authority without being harsh. Effective leaders maintain control and respect without resorting to cruelty or intimidation.

Confucius explains these virtues further:

Beneficence without Burden: By guiding people to engage in activities that benefit them, leaders show benevolence without incurring personal costs.

Labor without Resentment: Selecting tasks that align with the people’s interests ensures that labor is productive and free of bitterness.

Desire for Benevolence without Greed: Pursuing benevolence inherently fulfills personal desires without falling into the trap of greed.

Dignity without Arrogance: Treating everyone with respect and maintaining proper conduct avoids the pitfalls of arrogance.

Authority without Harshness: Dressing properly, avoiding improper looks, and commanding respect ensures authority is respected without being oppressive.

The Four Evils of Governance

Confucius also warned against four detrimental practices in governance:

Punishment without Education: Inflicting punishment without first providing education is cruel and ineffective. Leaders should teach and guide before administering punishment.

Demanding Success without Warnings: Expecting results without setting clear expectations or warnings is harsh and unreasonable. Leaders must provide guidance and communicate standards clearly.

Imposing Sudden Deadlines without Supervision: Setting deadlines without proper oversight and preparation leads to unfair practices. Consistent monitoring and gradual implementation are crucial.

Meanness in Distribution: Being stingy with resources, even when giving, is a form of miserliness. Leaders should be generous and fair in their distribution of resources.

Implementing Confucian Principles Today

Confucius’s principles remain relevant in modern governance. His emphasis on ethical leadership, fairness, and respect offers a foundation for contemporary leaders. Here’s how these principles can be applied today:

Focus on Public Welfare: Leaders should implement policies that enhance public well-being without personal detriment. This involves prioritizing the needs of the people and ensuring resources are used effectively.

Promote Fair Labor Practices: Create a work environment that values and respects the contributions of individuals, fostering a sense of cooperation and satisfaction.

Embrace Benevolence Over Greed: Leaders should aim to serve the public selflessly, avoiding actions driven by personal gain. This builds trust and credibility.

Maintain Dignity and Respect: Leaders must uphold a respectful and dignified manner, setting an example for others to follow while avoiding arrogance.

Exercise Authority with Compassion: Leadership should be exercised with firmness and fairness, avoiding harshness and cruelty. Respect and empathy should guide decision-making processes.

Educate Before Punishing: Ensure that guidance and education precede any disciplinary actions. This approach fosters a more just and effective system.

Communicate Expectations Clearly: Provide clear warnings and set realistic expectations to prevent misunderstandings and ensure successful outcomes.

Be Generous and Fair: Distribute resources and opportunities equitably, avoiding stinginess to maintain trust and morale.

Confucius’s teachings on the five virtues and four evils provide a timeless guide for effective leadership. By focusing on ethical principles, fairness, and respect, modern leaders can create a more just and harmonious society. Confucius’s wisdom continues to offer valuable insights into the art of governance, demonstrating the enduring relevance of his philosophy.

By adhering to these principles, leaders can foster a positive environment, ensure equitable treatment, and achieve lasting success in their roles. The lessons from Confucius remain a beacon for leaders seeking to govern with integrity and compassion.