Understanding Confucius: Guiding People vs. Teaching Them Why
8·9 The Master said, “The people may be led, but they cannot be made to understand.”
【Translation】
Confucius said, “The people may be led, but they cannot be made to understand why they are being led.”
【Commentary】
Confucius’ thinking had the content of “loving the people,” but this had a premise. He loved “obedient people,” not “disobedient people.” The idea that “the people can be led, but not be made to understand” expressed in this chapter shows his “dumbing down” philosophy. Of course, dumbing down and loving the people are not mutually exclusive. Others believe that this sentence should be interpreted as follows: “The people can be led, but not made to understand.” That is, if the people approve, let them do it; if the people do not approve, explain the reasons to them. Those who hold this view believe that this is an attempt by Confucius to advocate simple and democratic politics. However, most scholars believe that this punctuation is not in line with the grammar of ancient Chinese; this understanding elevates the level of Confucius’ thinking, modernizes the ancients, and is inconsistent with Confucius’ thinking as reflected in the Analects.
Confucius, one of China’s most revered philosophers, often shared profound insights into human nature, society, and governance. One of his notable statements is: “The people can be made to follow a path, but they cannot be made to understand it.” This phrase highlights a fundamental aspect of Confucian thought and provides a window into ancient Chinese perspectives on leadership and governance.
The Context of the Quote
Confucius lived during a time of social upheaval and sought to restore order through moral guidance and virtuous leadership. His teachings emphasize the importance of hierarchy, social harmony, and the roles individuals play within society. This particular quote has sparked extensive debate among scholars and interpreters, reflecting the complexity and depth of Confucian thought.
Interpretation 1: The “Ignorant” People
The most common interpretation of this quote suggests that Confucius believed in leading the populace without necessarily making them understand the reasons behind their actions. According to this view, Confucius advocated for a paternalistic approach to governance. Leaders should guide their people with wisdom and authority, ensuring social stability and order. The rationale here is that not everyone possesses the capacity or the need to understand the intricate reasons behind certain actions or policies. In essence, it’s more important that people follow the right path than understand why it is the right path.
Interpretation 2: Conditional Guidance
An alternative interpretation posits a different punctuation: “The people can be made to follow a path if they approve of it; if they do not approve, then make them understand it.” This reading suggests a more democratic approach, where the consent of the governed plays a crucial role. When people agree with a course of action, they will naturally follow it. When they do not, it becomes the leader’s duty to explain and educate them on why such actions are necessary. This interpretation implies that Confucius might have supported a more inclusive and communicative form of governance.
Confucianism and the Concept of “Loving the People”
It’s essential to understand that Confucius did emphasize “loving the people” (爱民). However, his idea of love had conditions. He preferred “obedient people” (顺民) who followed societal rules and contributed to harmony, rather than “disruptive people” (乱民) who questioned authority and created chaos. The phrase “The people can be made to follow a path, but they cannot be made to understand it” encapsulates this notion. Leaders should focus on maintaining social order and guiding their people, even if it means not everyone fully grasps the reasoning behind their actions.
Modern Reflections
In today’s context, this quote can spark discussions about leadership styles and the balance between authority and transparency. While some argue that modern governance should prioritize educating and informing citizens, others believe that effective leadership sometimes requires decisions to be made and followed without extensive public discourse.
Confucius’ teachings continue to resonate and provoke thought, highlighting the enduring relevance of his insights. Whether one views his approach as paternalistic or sees a hint of democratic ideals, his emphasis on moral leadership and social harmony remains influential.