Wisdom of Confucius: Why Moral Leadership Triumphs Over Power

Nangong Shi(1) asked Confucius, “Yi(2) was a good archer, but he was killed in a boat accident(3). Yu and Ji(5) worked the land and had the world.” The Master did not reply. Nangong Shi left. The Master said, “What a gentleman! What a gentleman with virtue!”

[Notes] (1) Nangong Shi: Shi, pronounced ku︸, is the same as “kuo,” meaning “to enclose.” (2) Yi: pronounced yì, was the legendary ruler of the state of You during the Xia Dynasty. He was an expert archer and usurped the throne of the Xia Dynasty’s King Tai Kang. He was later killed by his minister, Han Xie. (3) Hao: son of Han Xie, who was killed by Xia Shao Kang. (4) Dang Zhou: pushing a boat with one’s hands. Hao was said to be strong and good at naval warfare. (5) Yu and Ji: Yu, the founder of the Xia Dynasty, was good at flood control and focused on developing agriculture. Ji was said to be the ancestor of the Zhou Dynasty and the god of grain, teaching people to grow crops.

[Translation] Nangong Shi asked Confucius, “Yi was good at archery, and Hao was good at naval warfare, but they both died a bad death. Yu and Ji both grew crops themselves, but they got the whole world.” Confucius did not answer, and after Nangong Shi left, Confucius said, “This person is really a gentleman! This person really respects morality.”

[Analysis] Confucius was a moralist. He despised force and power, and advocated simplicity and morality. Nangong Shi thought that Yu and Ji had the world because of their virtue, while Yao and Hao did not because of their strength. Confucius said that he was very virtuous and was a gentleman. Later generations of Confucianism developed this idea and proposed the idea of “those who rely on virtue will prosper, and those who rely on strength will perish,” demanding that rulers rule the world with virtue and not by force, otherwise, in the end, there will be no good ending.

In the annals of Chinese philosophy, the teachings of Confucius offer profound insights into leadership and ethics. A revealing exchange with his disciple, Nan Gong Shi, highlights the core of Confucian values and the enduring principle that moral leadership prevails over brute strength or strategic cunning.

The Encounter

The conversation began with Nan Gong Shi questioning Confucius about two historical figures: Yi and Ao. Yi was renowned for his archery skills, while Ao was celebrated for his prowess in water battles. Both, despite their impressive talents, met unfortunate ends. In contrast, Yu and Ji, who were known for their agricultural skills and dedication to farming, achieved lasting success and stability in their realms.

Nan Gong Shi asked Confucius why Yi and Ao, despite their abilities, ended poorly, while Yu and Ji, who focused on cultivation, succeeded. Confucius remained silent during the question but later remarked that Nan Gong Shi was indeed a true gentleman who esteemed virtue.

The Teachings

Confucius’s response underscores a fundamental aspect of his philosophy: the superiority of moral virtue over mere skill or power. This encounter illustrates a central tenet of Confucianism: that leaders who govern with integrity and dedication to the common good are more likely to achieve enduring success than those who rely solely on force or cunning.

Moral vs. Martial Leadership

In Confucian thought, moral leadership is characterized by selflessness, respect for ethics, and a commitment to the welfare of others. In contrast, leadership based on martial prowess or strategic manipulation often leads to instability and downfall. This is because such leaders might win battles but fail to build lasting trust and harmony.

The Legacy of Confucian Wisdom

The analysis of this dialogue reveals Confucius’s disdain for power politics and his reverence for leaders who embody virtue. The later development of Confucian thought reinforced this idea, asserting that rulers who rely on virtue will flourish, while those who depend on force will ultimately fail. This principle—“those who rely on virtue will thrive; those who rely on force will perish”—remains a guiding philosophy in discussions of leadership and governance.

Confucius’s teachings offer timeless wisdom on leadership, emphasizing that true success stems from moral integrity rather than temporary power or skill. By reflecting on the lives of Yi, Ao, Yu, and Ji, one can appreciate the value of leading with virtue and the lasting impact of ethical governance. This perspective not only enriches our understanding of historical leadership but also provides enduring lessons for modern leaders seeking to make a positive impact on the world.