Confucius on ‘Effortless Rule’: The Example of Shun

The Master said, “Is it not Shun who rules without doing anything? What does he do? He simply sits in the south, dignified and upright.”

[Explanation] (1) Ruling without doing anything: The ruler of a country can rule without doing anything. (2) He: pronoun, he.

[Translation] Confucius said, “Is it possible that only Shun could rule the world without doing anything? What did he do? He just sat in the court in a dignified and upright manner.”

[Commentary] “Ruling without doing anything” is a strategy for ruling the country praised by Taoism, which is consistent with Taoist thinking. Here, Confucius also praised the rule of non-action and used Shun as an example to illustrate it, which shows that Confucianism, which advocates being proactive, is very nostalgic about the legal system and governance of the Three Dynasties, but in the real world at the time, it did not necessarily require rulers to rule by non-action. In Confucius’s view, it is not the rule of non-action, but the rule of propriety.

Confucius, the eminent Chinese philosopher, often shared his reflections on governance and leadership. One of his notable comments is, “Can anyone govern effortlessly? Only Shun might be an example. What did he do? He simply sat upright and dignified on the throne” (无为而治者，其舜也与？夫何为哉？恭己正南面而已矣). This statement offers a glimpse into Confucius’s views on leadership and the concept of “effortless rule.”

In this context, “effortless rule” (无为而治) refers to the Daoist ideal of governing with minimal interference. Daoism advocates that rulers should lead with a light touch, allowing natural order to prevail rather than imposing their will. Confucius, however, uses this concept to highlight an exceptional case, Shun, an ancient sage-king reputed for his virtuous rule.

Confucius points out that Shun’s ability to govern effortlessly is unique. Shun, according to Confucian thought, did not actively intervene or impose strict rules to control his people. Instead, his presence and moral integrity were enough to inspire and guide the nation. The key was Shun’s ability to embody virtue and conduct himself with dignity, thereby naturally earning the respect and adherence of his subjects.

This notion underscores a critical aspect of Confucian philosophy: while “effortless rule” is admirable, Confucius emphasizes the importance of ritual and moral governance. For Confucius, governance involves more than passive observation. It requires active engagement in promoting ethical behavior and maintaining social order through established rites and moral principles.

In Confucian thought, good leadership is grounded in the principles of propriety and righteousness. Leaders are expected to model virtuous behavior and uphold societal norms. Confucius’s reference to Shun serves to illustrate that while effortless governance is possible, it is grounded in a deep moral foundation. Shun’s example reflects an ideal where virtue itself becomes a guiding force, creating a harmonious society without the need for heavy-handed rules.

Confucius’s commentary on “effortless rule” using Shun’s example reveals a nuanced view of governance. It acknowledges the Daoist ideal but also reinforces the Confucian belief that true leadership involves active moral engagement. For Confucius, a ruler’s role is to embody virtue and maintain order through propriety and ethical principles, ensuring that their influence is felt through their moral example rather than through direct intervention.