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Legalism -> Shang Jun Shu -> Policies -> 6

He who is called a virtuous ruler has no loyal ministers, and a compassionate father has no filial sons.
If it is desired to do away with clever talkers,
then all should control one another by means of the law,
and should correct one another by means of mandates.
Being unable to do wrong alone,
one will not do wrong in the company of others.
What is called wealth is to have receipts large and expenditure small.
When there is moderation in dress and frugality in food and drink, then expenditure is small.
When women within and men outside fulfil their duties completely, then receipts are large.
What is called intelligence is for nothing to escape the sight, so that the multitude of officials dare not commit crimes, nor the people dare to do wrong.
天下Thus the ruler of men will repose on a rest-couch and listen to the sound of stringed and bamboo instruments, and yet the empire will enjoy order.
使In other words, what is called intelligence is to cause the masses to have no possibility of not working.
What is called strength
天下 is to conquer the empire;
天下 by conquering the empire,
all the forces are united,
and as a result the brave and strong will not dare to commit any violence,
nor will sages and wise men dare to deceive or to be employed on empty grounds.
天下When the multitudes of the empire are united, none will dare not to do what he (the ruler) likes, but all will avoid what he dislikes.
使In other words, what is called strength is to cause all bravery and force to have no possibility of being used except for the prince's own advantage.
If the prince's will is effective,
天下 the empire will benefit by it;
if it is ineffective,
天下 the empire will blame him.
天下Whoever relies on the empire
天下 is rejected by the empire;
whoever relies on himself,
天下 gains the empire.
天下The one who gains the empire is he, who regards it as his first duty to gain himself;
the one who succeeds in conquering a strong enemy is he, who regards it as his first duty to conquer himself.


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