The Role of Talented Officials in Effective Governance: Lessons from Ancient China
8·20 Shun had five ministers (1) and the world was ruled. King Wu said, “I have ten ministers (2).” Confucius said, “It is difficult to find talent, isn’t it? During the Tang and Yu dynasties (3), it was at its peak, with only nine ministers. Two-thirds of the world was ruled (6), and they served the Yin dynasty. The virtue of the Zhou dynasty can be described as the highest virtue.”
[Notes]
(1) Shun had five ministers: legend has it that they were Yu, Ji, Qi, Gao Tao and Bo Yi. Qi: pronounced xie; Tao: pronounced yao.
(2) Ministers who cause chaos: according to the Shuowen, “chaos” means “order.” The “ministers who cause chaos” here should be “ministers who govern the country.”
(3) The time of Tang and Yu: legend has it that the era of Emperor Yao was called Tang, and the era of Emperor Shun was called Yu.
(4) This refers to the time of King Wu of Zhou.
(5) There was a woman: This refers to King Wu’s wife, Yue Jiang, who was one of the ten ministers who helped him.
(6) Two-thirds of the world: The Yizhou Shu (Book of the Rites) says, “King Wen ordered the nine lords of the nine provinces to serve the Shang Dynasty.” It is said that at the time, the nine provinces were divided, and King Wen received six provinces, which was two-thirds of the world.
Translation King Wu of Zhou also said, “I have ten ministers who help me rule the country.” Confucius said, “Talented people are hard to come by, isn’t that so? Between the reigns of Tang Yao and Yu Shun and the reign of King Wu of Zhou, talented people were at their peak. But one of the ten ministers was a woman, so there were actually only nine. King Wen of Zhou got two-thirds of the world, but he still served the Yin dynasty. The virtue of the Zhou dynasty can be said to be the highest.
[Commentary]
In this passage, Confucius raises an important question: to rule the world, one must have talent, and talent is very rare. With talent, the country can be ruled and the world can be peaceful. Of course, this does not prove Confucius’ “historical view of heroes,” because in the course of historical development, outstanding figures have indeed played a huge role that cannot be underestimated. This, along with the role of the masses, should not be ignored.
In ancient China, the effectiveness of a ruler’s governance was deeply intertwined with the quality of their officials. This lesson is clearly illustrated by the historical figures of Shun and the Zhou Dynasty. According to ancient records, Shun was known for having five capable officials, which contributed to the smooth governance of his realm. In contrast, King Wu of Zhou claimed to have ten influential officials who assisted him in ruling his kingdom.
Confucius, a revered philosopher of ancient China, emphasized the rarity and significance of such talents. He remarked that during the times of Yao and Shun, and even during the Zhou Dynasty, the presence of such talented officials was unparalleled. Confucius highlighted that among the ten officials mentioned by King Wu, one was actually a woman, the wife of King Wu, which implied that the actual number of capable officials was nine.
This historical account sheds light on a critical aspect of governance: the importance of having talented and dedicated officials. The presence of skilled individuals in positions of power can significantly impact a country’s stability and prosperity. Confucius’s observation underscores that while the presence of talent is essential, it is also rare and highly valuable.
The reference to King Wen of Zhou, who received two-thirds of the land yet still served the Shang Dynasty, further illustrates the virtue and dedication of the Zhou Dynasty. Despite having substantial control, the Zhou Dynasty remained respectful and loyal to the previous ruling house, showcasing their high moral standards.
In essence, this historical perspective from ancient China teaches us that effective governance is deeply reliant on the caliber of officials. Talented individuals who are committed to their roles can lead to a more stable and prosperous society. This concept, while rooted in ancient times, remains relevant today as we consider the qualities that contribute to effective leadership and governance.
Understanding these historical insights not only provides a glimpse into the ancient Chinese worldview but also offers timeless lessons on leadership and management that are applicable across cultures and eras.