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Mohism -> Mozi -> Book 2 -> Exaltation of the Virtuous II -> 1

墨子Mozi said:
王公大人Now, in caring for the people, ruling the state, and governing the country,
the rulers desire permanency and stability.
But why do they not learn that exaltation of the virtuous is the foundation of government?
How do we know exaltation of the virtuous is the foundation of government?
When the honourable and wise run the government, the ignorant and humble remain orderly;
but when the ignorant and humble run the government, the honourable and wise become rebellious.
Therefore we know exaltation of the virtuous is the foundation of government.
使 The ancient sage-kings greatly emphasized the exaltation of the virtuous and the employment of the capable.
Without special consideration for relatives,
for the rich and honoured,
or for the good-looking,
they exalted and promoted the virtuous,
enriched and honoured them,
and made them governors and leaders.
The vicious they kept back and banished,
depossessed and degraded, and made labourers and servants.
Thereupon people were all encouraged by rewards
and threatened by punishments
and strove with each other after virtue.
Thus the virtuous multiplied
and the vicious diminished in number.
Such is exaltation of the virtuous.
聖人Then the sage-kings watched their words
and observed their conduct,
found out their capabilities
and carefully assigned them their offices.
Such is employment of the capable.
使Accordingly those who were capable to govern the country
使 were made to govern the country,
使those who were capable to administer the court
使 were made to administer the court,
使and those who were capable in managing the districts
使 were made to manage the districts.
使 All those who had charge of the country,
the court,
and the districts
were then the virtuous of the land.


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