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桓公曰：“轻重有数乎？”管子对曰：“轻重无数，物发而应之，闻声而乘之，故为国不能来天下之财，致天下之民，则国不可成。”桓公曰：“何谓来天下之财？”管子对曰：“昔者桀之时，女乐三万人，端噪晨乐，闻于三衢，是无不服文绣衣裳者，伊尹以薄之游女，工文绣纂组，一纯得粟百锺于桀之国。夫桀之国者，天子之国也，桀无天下忧，饰妇女锺鼓之乐，故伊尹得其粟而夺之流，此之谓来天下之财。”桓公曰：“何谓致天下之民？”管子对曰：“请使州有一掌，里有积五窌，民无以与正籍者，予之长假，死而不葬者，予之长度，饥者得食，寒者得衣，死者得葬，不资者得振，则天下之归我者若流水，此之谓致天下之民。故圣人善用非其有，使非其人，动言摇辞，万民可得而亲。”桓公曰：“善。” |
| | Huan gong said: "Is there a standard for what is light and heavy?" Guan Zi replied: "There is no fixed standard for light and heavy. When things arise, one responds accordingly; when sounds are heard, one seizes the opportunity. Therefore, if a state cannot attract wealth from all under heaven or bring together the people of all under heaven, then that state cannot be established." Huan gong asked: "What does it mean to 'attract wealth from all under heaven'?" Guan Zi replied: "In the time of Jie, there were thirty thousand female entertainers. The music and revelry at dawn could be heard in all directions, and no one failed to wear embroidered garments. Yi Yin sent young women from Bo to engage in embroidery and weaving; a single piece of such fabric would fetch a hundred dong of millet within the borders of Jie's state." "Jie's state was the Son of Heaven's domain. Jie had no concern for the world, indulging in music and drums with his women. Thus Yi Yin obtained their grain and redirected it, which is what I mean by 'attracting wealth from all under heaven.'" Huan gong asked: "What does it mean to 'bring together the people of all under heaven'?" Guan Zi replied: "Please appoint one official per zhou, and store five dian of grain in each li. For those who cannot pay their regular taxes, grant them long-term relief; for the dead who remain unburied, provide them with proper measures for burial. The hungry shall receive food, the cold clothing, the deceased a burial, and those without resources assistance. Then people from all under heaven will flock to us like flowing water. This is what I mean by 'bringing together the people of all under Heaven.'" Therefore, a sage ruler skillfully uses what is not his own and employs those who are not originally his people. With stirring words and persuasive speech, he can win the affection of all the people." Huan gong said: "Well said."
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桓公问管子曰：“夫汤以七十里之薄，兼桀之天下，其故何也”？管子对曰：“桀者，冬不为杠，夏不束柎，以观冻溺，弛牝虎充市，以观其惊骇。至汤而不然，夷竞而积粟，饥者食之，寒者衣之，不资者振之，天下归汤若流水，此桀之所以失其天下也。”桓公曰：“桀使汤得为是，其故何也？”管子曰：“女华者，桀之所爱也，汤事之以千金；曲逆者，桀之所善也，汤事之以千金。内则有女华之阴，外则有曲逆之阳。阴阳之议合，而得成其天子，此汤之阴谋也。” |
| | Huan gong asked Guan Zi: "King Tang was able to conquer Jie's entire realm with only the seventy-li territory of Bo. What was the reason for this?" Guan Zi replied: "Jie did not build bridges in winter or tie up the riverbanks in summer, watching people freeze and drown. He released female tigers into the marketplace to observe their terror." "But when it came to King Tang, he was not like that. He cultivated the land and stored grain; those who were hungry received food, those cold received clothing, and those in need received assistance. People from all under Heaven flocked to Tang like flowing water. This is why Jie lost his realm." Huan gong asked: "Why did Jie allow Tang to do these things?" Guan Zi said: "Nü Hua was someone loved by Jie. King Tang presented a thousand gold to serve her; " "Qu Ni was someone favored by Jie, and King Tang also presented a thousand gold to honor him." "Internally, he had the influence of Nü Hua; externally, he had the support of Qu Ni." "When internal and external influences converged in harmony, it enabled him to become Son of Heaven. This was Tang's secret strategy."
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桓公曰：“轻重之数，国准之分，吾已得而闻之矣，请问用兵奈何？”管子对曰：“五战而至于兵”，桓公曰：“若此言何谓也？”管子对曰：“请战衡、战准、战流、战权、战势，此所谓五战而至于兵者也。”桓公曰：“善。” |
| | Huan gong said: "I have already heard and understood the principles of light and heavy, as well as the distinctions in state standards. Now I would like to ask about how to wage war." Guan Zi replied: "Five battles lead up to the use of military force." Huan gong said: "What does this statement mean?" Guan Zi replied: "Please allow me to explain the five battles: the battle of weights, the battle of standards, the battle of circulation, the battle of authority, and the battle of momentum. These are what I mean by 'five battles leading up to military force.'" Huan gong said: "Well said."
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桓公欲赏死事之后，曰：“吾国者，衢处之国，馈食之都，虎狼之所栖也。今每战，舆死扶伤，如孤荼首之孙，仰倳戟之宝，吾无由与之，为之奈何？”管子对曰：“吾国之豪家颉封食邑而居者，君章之以物，则物重，不章以物，则物轻。守之以物，则物重。不守以物，则物轻。故颉封食邑，富商蓄贾，积馀藏羡，跱蓄之家，此吾国之豪也，故君请缟素而就士室，朝功臣世家、颉封食邑、积馀藏羡、跱蓄之家，曰：‘城脆致冲，无委攻围，天下有虑，齐独不与其谋？子大夫有五谷菽粟者，勿敢左右，请以平贾取之子，与之定其券契之齿，釜鏂之数，不得为侈弇焉。’困穷之民，闻而籴之，釜鏂无止，远通不推。国粟之粟，坐长而四十倍。君出四十倍之粟，以振孤寡，收贫病，视独老。穷而无子者，靡得相鬻而养之，勿使赴于沟浍之中，若此，则士争前战为颜行，不偷而为用。舆死扶伤，死者过半，此何故也，士非好战而轻死，轻重之分使然也。” |
| | Huan gong wished to reward the descendants of those who had died in service, saying: "My state is a crossroads region, a city where food supplies are gathered, and a place where tigers and wolves dwell. "Now, in every battle, we carry the dead and support the wounded, like the descendants of Gu Tushou, who look up to the precious halberds planted upright. I have no way to reward them—what should I do?" Guan Zi replied: "The wealthy families in our state who hold fiefs and dwell there, if the ruler bestows goods upon them, then those goods will become valuable; if he does not bestow goods upon them, those goods will be considered light." "By controlling their access to goods, the value of those goods increases." "If one does not control access to goods, then the value of those goods decreases." "Therefore, those who hold fiefs and enjoy stipends, wealthy merchants, hoarders of surplus goods, and families that accumulate wealth—these are the powerful people in our state. Therefore, I suggest Your Majesty personally wear plain white robes and visit the scholars' quarters to summon the meritorious ministers from noble lineages, those with fiefdoms and stipends, those who hoard surpluses, and wealthy accumulators of goods, saying: 'Our city walls are fragile and vulnerable to attack; we have no stored resources for a prolonged siege. The world is in turmoil—why should Qi alone be excluded from this plan?" "If any of you gentlemen have five grains, beans, or rice, do not hesitate to the left or right. Please allow me to purchase them from you at fair prices and establish fixed contracts specifying the quantity in dou and xia, ensuring that no excess or concealment is allowed.'" "Destitute people will hear of this and bring their grain; the amount in dou and xia will be limitless, and distant traders will not be hindered." "The state's stored grain will increase by fortyfold without effort." The ruler should then distribute this fortyfold grain to support orphans and widows, assist the poor and sick, and care for lonely elders. "For those who are destitute and without children, ensure they may not be sold into servitude for support; do not allow them to perish in ditches or drainage channels. If this is done, then soldiers will eagerly fight at the forefront with honor, and none will act deceitfully but instead serve faithfully." "Why do we carry the dead and support those wounded, with more than half of them dying? It is not that soldiers enjoy war or lightly face death; it is due to the distinctions in incentives and priorities that lead to this outcome."
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桓公曰：“皮干筋角之徵甚重，重籍于民，而贵市之，皮干筋角，非为国之数也。”管子对曰：“请以令高杠柴池，使东西不相睹，南北不相见。”桓公曰：“诺。”行事期年，而皮干筋角之徵去分，民之藉去分。桓公召管子而问曰：“此何故也。”管子对曰：“杠池平之时，夫妻服簟，轻至百里；今高杠柴池，东西南北不相睹，天酸然雨，十人之力不能上；广泽遇雨，十人之力不可得而恃，夫舍牛马之力无所因，牛马绝罢而相继死其所者相望，皮干筋角，徒予人而莫之取，牛马之贾，必坐长而百倍，天下闻之，必离其牛马，而归齐若流；故高杠柴池，所以致天下之牛马，而损民之籍也，道若秘云，物之所生，不若其所聚。” |
| | Huan gong said: "The taxation on hides, sinews, and horns is very heavy. Imposing such a burden on the people while purchasing these items at high prices—hides, sinews, and horns are not essential to the state's strategy." Guan Zi replied: "I suggest issuing an order to raise high bridges and build dense palisades, making it so that one cannot see from east to west or north to south." Huan gong said: "Agreed." After a year of implementing these measures, the taxation on hides and horns was reduced by half, and the people's tax burden was also halved. Huan gong summoned Guan Zi and asked: "What is the reason for this?" łoży Guan Zi replied: "When the bridges and palisades were level, husbands and wives traveled on bamboo mats, lightly going as far as a hundred li; now that the bridges are raised high and palisades built thick, making east and west, north and south invisible to each other, even in a sudden acidic rain, ten men's strength cannot ascend; "when wide marshes meet rain, even ten men's strength is unreliable. Without the power of oxen and horses there is no way forward; oxen and horses become exhausted and die one after another in their places, visible to each other. Hides, sinews, horns—these are simply given away but nobody takes them. The price of oxen and horses will naturally increase a hundredfold. When the world hears this, they will surely abandon their own oxen and horses and flock to Qi like flowing water; "Thus, raising the bridges and building palisades is a way to attract oxen and horses from all under Heaven while reducing the people's burden. The path becomes as secret as clouds; where things are born may not compare with where they gather."
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桓公曰：“弓弩多匡䡔者，而重籍于民，奉缮工而使弓弩多匡䡔者，其故何也？”管子对曰：“鹅鹜之舍近，鵾鸡鹄䳈之通远，鹄鵾之所在，君请式璧而聘之。”桓公曰：“诺。”行事期年，而上无阙者，前无趋人，三月解𠣗，弓弩无匡䡔者。召管子而问曰：“此何故也？”管子对曰：“鹄鵾之所在，君式璧而聘之，菹泽之民闻之，越平而射远，非十钧之弩，不能中鵾鸡鹄䳈，彼十钧之弩，不得𩇹擏不能自正，故三月解𠣗，而弓弩无匡䡔者。此何故也？以其家习其所也。” |
| | Huan gong asked: "There are many defective bows and crossbows, yet the people bear a heavy tax burden. By providing funds to artisans, why is it that there are still so many defective bows and crossbows? What is the reason?" Guan Zi replied: "The nests of geese and ducks are nearby, while the habitats of kunji and hulu are far away. Where these birds reside, I suggest Your Majesty present jade tablets as offerings to invite them." Huan gong said: "Agreed." After a year of implementation, there were no deficiencies in the upper ranks, and no one rushed ahead. After three months without inspections, bows and crossbows had no defects. He summoned Guan Zi and asked: "What is the reason for this?" Guan Zi replied: "Where the kunji and hulu reside, Your Majesty presented jade tablets to invite them. The people from Zuzhe heard of this, crossed flatlands to shoot at distant targets; without a crossbow capable of ten jūn (a unit of force), they could not hit the kunji or hulu. Those ten-jūn crossbows cannot be properly adjusted without specialized tools. Therefore, after three months without inspection, bows and crossbows still had no defects." "Why is this so?" "Because their families have long been accustomed to it."
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桓公曰：“寡人欲藉于室屋”，管子对曰：“不可，是毁成也。”“欲藉于万民”，管子曰：“不可，是隐情也。”“欲籍于六畜”，管子对曰：“不可，是杀生也。”“欲藉于树木。”管子对曰：“不可，是伐生也。”“然则寡人安藉而可？”管子对曰：“君请籍于鬼神。”桓公忽然作色曰：“万民室屋，六畜树木，且不可得藉，鬼神乃可得而藉夫？”管子对曰：“厌宜乘势，事之利得也，计议因权，事之囿大也。王者乘势，圣人乘幼，与物皆宜？”桓公曰：“行事奈何？”管子对曰：“昔尧之五吏，五官无所食，君请立五厉之祭，祭尧之五吏，春献兰，秋敛落原。鱼以为脯，鲵以为淆；若此，则泽鱼之正，伯倍异日，则无屋粟邦布之籍，此之谓设之以祈祥，推之以礼义也，然则自足，何求于民也？” |
| | Huan gong said: "I wish to impose a tax on houses and buildings." Guan Zi replied: "That is not advisable, for it would destroy what has already been built." "Then I wish to impose a tax upon all the people," Huan gong said. Guan Zi replied: "That is not advisable, for that would conceal true circumstances." "Then I wish to impose a tax on the six domestic animals," Huan gong said. Guan zi replied: "That is not advisable, for this would be killing life." "Then I wish to impose taxes on trees and timber." Guan Zi replied: "That is not advisable, for such a tax would be cutting down living things." "But then, upon what may I impose taxes and still be acceptable?" Guan Zi replied: "Your Majesty should impose the tax on ghosts and spirits." Huan gong suddenly changed expression, saying: "If I cannot impose taxes upon the people's houses and buildings, nor on their domestic animals or trees, how can it be possible to tax ghosts and spirits?" Guan Zi replied: "To restrain desires by taking advantage of momentum is the benefit in handling affairs. To deliberate and act according to authority is the key to achieving great results." "A sovereign ruler rides on momentum; a sage acts upon opportunity, harmonizing with all things?" Huan gong asked: "How should this be put into practice?" Guan Zi replied: "In the time of Yao, his five officials had no food. I suggest Your Majesty establish a ritual sacrifice to honor these five spirits of Yao's officials. In spring, present orchids; in autumn, collect fallen leaves from the plains." "Use fish as dried meat and newts as side dishes; " "Done in this way, the regulation of fish from the marshes will increase by tenfold compared to previous years. Thus there is no need for taxes on grain stored in houses or cloth produced by the state. This is called establishing rituals to invoke blessings and promoting propriety and righteousness. In such a case, the state becomes self-sufficient—why would we then seek anything from the people?"
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桓公曰：“天下之国，莫强于越，今寡人欲北举事孤竹离枝，恐越人之至，为此有道乎？”管子对曰：“君请遏原流，大夫立沼池。令以矩游为乐，则越人安敢至？”桓公曰：“行事奈何？”管子对曰：“请以令隐三川，立员都，立大舟之都，大身之都，有深渊垒十仞。令曰：‘能游者赐千金’，未能用金千，齐民之游水，不避吴越。桓公终北举事于孤竹离枝，越人果至，隐曲蔷以水齐，管子有扶身之士五万人，以待战于曲蔷，大败越人，此之谓水豫。” |
| | Huan gong said: "Among the states of all under Heaven, none is stronger than Yue. Now I wish to launch a campaign northward against Guzhu and Lizi, but I fear that the people from Yue may arrive. Is there a way to deal with this?" Guan Zi replied: "Your Majesty should block the springs and streams, and let the high officials build ponds and reservoirs." "Order them to take pleasure in swimming with measuring rods—then how dare the people of Yue come?" Huan gong asked: "How should this be carried out?" Guan Zi replied: "I suggest issuing an order to block the three rivers, establish circular enclosures, and build large boat depots, large body depots, with deep pools surrounded by ten-ren high fortifications." The order stated: "Those who can swim shall be rewarded with a thousand gold." Before even a single gold was spent, the people of Qi swimming in water did not fear Wu or Yue. Huan gong eventually launched a northern campaign against Guzhu and Liji. As expected, the people of Yue arrived and blocked the Qi waterways at Quqiang. Guan Zi had fifty thousand soldiers ready to fight in the water, waiting for battle at Quqiang, where they decisively defeated the Yue forces. This is what is called "preparing with water defenses."
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齐之北泽烧火，光照堂下。管子入贺桓公曰：“吾田野辟，农夫必有百倍之利矣。”是岁租税九月而具，粟又美。桓公召管子而问曰：“此何故也？”管子对曰：“万乘之国，千乘之国，不能无薪而炊，今北泽烧莫之续，则是农夫得居装而卖其薪荛，一束十倍，则春有以倳耜，夏有以决芸，此租税所以九月而具也。” |
| | A fire broke out in the northern marshes of Qi, its light shining into the hall below. Guan Zi entered to congratulate Huan gong, saying: "Our fields and wilderness have been cultivated; the farmers must now enjoy a hundredfold increase in profit." That year, land taxes were collected within nine months, and the grain was also of excellent quality. Huan gong summoned Guan zi and asked: "What is the reason for this?" Guan Zi replied: "In a state of ten thousand chariots or even one thousand chariots, it is impossible to cook without firewood. Now the northern marsh fires have burned out with no continuation. This means farmers can stay at home and sell their firewood and brushwood. A bundle sells for ten times its usual price. Thus in spring they have sufficient resources to plant plows, and in summer they have enough to clear weeds—this is why land taxes were collected so quickly within nine months."
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桓公忧北郭民之贫，召管子而问曰：“北郭者，尽屦缕之氓也，以唐园为本利，为此有道乎？”管子对曰：“请以令禁百锺之家不得事鞽，千锺之家不得为唐园，去市三百灸者不得树葵菜，若此，则空闲有以相给资；则北郭之氓，有所雠其手搔之功，唐园之利，故有十倍之利。” |
| | Huan gong was concerned about the poverty of the people in Beiguo and summoned Guan Zi, asking: "The people of Beiguo are all poor peasants who rely on orchards for their livelihood. Is there a way to address this?" Guan Zi replied: "I suggest issuing an order prohibiting families with a hundred dong of grain from engaging in tanning, and families with a thousand dong from cultivating orchards. Also, no one within three hundred 灸 (a unit) of the market may plant gourds or vegetables. In this way, there will be sufficient resources for those who are idle to support themselves; thus the peasants of Beiguo will have a means to sell their labor and skills, and through orchard profits, they can achieve tenfold returns."
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管子曰：“阴王之国有三，而齐与在焉”，桓公曰：“若此言可得闻乎？”管子对曰：“楚有汝汉之黄金，而齐有渠展之盐，燕有辽东之煮，此阴王之国也，且楚之有黄金，中齐有蔷石也，苟有操之不工，用之不善，天下倪而是耳，使夷吾得居楚之黄金，吾能令农毋耕而食，女毋织而衣。今齐有渠展之盐，请君伐菹薪，煮沸火为盐，正而积之。”桓公曰：“诺。”十月始正，至于正月，成盐三万六千锺。召管子而问曰：“安用此盐而可？”管子对曰：“孟春既至，农事且起，大夫无得缮冢墓，理宫室，立台榭，筑墙垣，北海之众，无得聚庸而煮盐，若此，则盐必坐长而十倍。”桓公曰：“善，行事奈何？”管子对曰：“请以令粜之梁赵宋卫濮阳，彼尽馈食之国也，无盐则肿，守圉之国，用盐独甚。”桓公曰：“诺。”乃以令使粜之，得成金万一千馀斤，桓公召管子而问曰：“安用金而可？”管子对曰：“请以令使贺献出，正籍者必以金，金坐长而百倍。铉金之重以衡，万物尽归于君。故此所谓用，若挹于河海，若输之给马，此阴王之业。” |
| | Guan Zi said: "There are three states that rule through hidden power, and Qi is among them." Huan gong asked: "Might I hear an explanation of this statement?" Guan Zi replied: "Chu has the gold of Ruhan, Qi has the salt from Quzhan, and Yan has the brine production in Liaodong. These are states that rule through hidden wealth. Moreover, although Chu possesses gold, it is equivalent to the stone resources of Qi's Qiang region. If one does not skillfully manage such resources or use them wisely, all under Heaven will merely mock them. Were I to control Chu's gold, I could ensure farmers eat without plowing and women wear clothes without weaving." "Now Qi has the salt of Quzhan. I suggest, Your Majesty, that you gather firewood and burn it to produce brine for salt-making, then regulate and store it." Huan gong said: "Agreed." In the tenth month, regulation began and continued until the first month of the following year, producing 36,000 dong of salt. He summoned Guan Zi and asked: "How should we use this salt?" Guan Zi replied: "When the first spring month arrives and farming is about to begin, no official may repair tombs, renovate palaces, build pavilions or terraces, or construct walls. The people of the northern sea must not gather laborers for salt production. If this order is followed, then the price of salt will naturally rise tenfold." Huan gong said: "Well said. How should we proceed?" Guan Zi replied: "I suggest issuing an order to sell salt in Liang, Zhao, Song, Wei, and Puyang. These are all states that rely heavily on food supplies; without salt, their people would suffer from swelling. Defensive states consume salt especially heavily." Huan gong said: "Agreed." He then issued an order to sell the salt, and obtained over 10,100 jin of gold. Huan gong summoned Guan Zi again and asked: "How should we use this gold?" Guan Zi replied: "I suggest issuing an order requiring those who offer congratulations and tribute to pay in gold. This will cause the value of gold to naturally increase by a hundredfold." "When measured on scales, the weight of gold increases; all things under Heaven will then flow into the hands of the ruler." "Therefore, this is what is meant by 'using'—like drawing water from a river or sea, like feeding it to horses. This is the hidden power of a ruler."
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管子曰：“万乘之国，必有万金之贾。千乘之国，必有千金之贾。百乘之国，必有百金之贾。非君之所赖也，君之所与。故为人君而不审其号令，则中一国而二君二王也。”桓公曰：“何谓一国而二君二王？”管子对曰：“今君之籍取，以正万物之贾，轻去其分，皆入于商贾，此中一国而二君二王也。故贾人乘其弊以守民之时，贫者失其财，是重贫也。农夫失其五谷，是重竭也。故为人君而不能谨守其山林菹泽草莱，不可以立为天下王。”桓公曰：“若此言何谓也？”管子对曰：“山林菹泽草莱者，薪蒸之所出，牺牲之所起也，故使民求之，使民藉之，因以给之，私爱之于民，若弟之与兄，子之与父也，然后可以通财交殷也，故请取君之游财而邑里布积之，阳春蚕桑且至，请以给其口食筐曲之强，若此，则絓丝之籍去分而敛矣，且四方之不至，六时制之。春日倳耜，次日获麦，次日薄芋，次日树麻，次日绝菹，次日大雨且至，趣芸壅培，六时制之，臣给至于国都，善者乡因其轻重，守其委庐；故事至而不妄，然后可以立为天下王。” |
| | Guan Zi said: "A state with ten thousand chariots must have merchants who deal in ten thousand jin of wealth. "A state with a thousand chariots must have traders dealing in a thousand jin." "A state with a hundred chariots must have merchants handling a hundred jin." "These are not burdens upon the ruler, but rather what the ruler supports and empowers." "Therefore, if a ruler does not carefully examine his decrees and commands, he will effectively have two rulers or two kings governing within one state." Huan gong asked: "What is meant by 'one state with two rulers and two kings'?" Guan Zi replied: "Now, Your Majesty's taxation and levies regulate the prices of all goods. If these are improperly managed and removed from their proper balance, they will flow entirely into the hands of merchants. This is what I call 'one state with two rulers or two kings.'" "Therefore, merchants take advantage of these circumstances to control the timing and conditions for the people. The poor lose their wealth, which makes them even poorer." "Farmers lose their five grains, which drains them of resources twice over." "Therefore, a ruler who cannot carefully manage and protect his mountains, forests, marshes, lakes, and uncultivated lands cannot establish himself as the sovereign of all under Heaven." Huan gong asked: "What do you mean by these words?" Guan Zi replied: "Mountains, forests, marshes, and uncultivated land are the sources of firewood and sacrificial animals. Therefore, we should allow the people to seek them out and use them, providing for their needs in a way that reflects care and affection—like a younger brother toward an elder or a child toward a father. Only then can wealth circulate freely among the people. I therefore request permission to collect surplus resources from the state and store them in towns and villages. When spring arrives and silkworms are ready for mulberry leaves, we may use these reserves to supply food, baskets, and other necessities required by the people. If this is done, then the tax on silk will be collected fairly and efficiently. Moreover, if goods from all directions do not arrive in time, they can be regulated according to the six seasons." "In spring, prepare the plows; on the next day, harvest wheat; then dig up yu (a type of tuber); then plant hemp; then clear the marshes; and finally, when heavy rain is about to come, quickly cultivate and enrich the soil. These six seasonal tasks must be regulated accordingly. Officials will ensure supplies reach the capital city in time. In each locality, those who govern well will adjust according to local conditions, managing resources wisely and guarding their stores." "Therefore, when affairs are handled properly without disorder, only then can one establish himself as the ruler of all under Heaven."
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管子曰：“农不耕，民或为之饥。一女不织，民或为之寒；故事再其本，则无卖其子者。事三其本，则衣食足。事四其本，则正籍给，事五其本，则远近通，死得藏，今事不能再其本，而上之求焉无止，是使奸涂不可独行，遗财不可包止，随之以法，则是下艾民，食三升，则乡有正食而盗，食二升，则里有正食而盗。食一升，则家有正食而盗。今操不反之事，而食四十倍之粟，而求民之毋失，不可得矣；且君朝令而求夕具，有者出其财，无有者卖其衣屦，农夫粜其五谷，三分贾而去，是君朝令一怒，布帛流越而之天下。君求焉而无止，民无以待之，走亡而栖山阜。持戈之士，顾不见亲，家族失而不分，民走于山中，而士遁于外，此不待战而内败。” |
| | Guan Zi said: "If farmers do not till the land, the people may suffer from hunger. "If one woman does not weave cloth, the people may be exposed to cold." "Therefore, if we double our efforts in cultivating the fundamentals of agriculture and weaving, there will be no one forced to sell their children." "If we triple our efforts in these fundamentals, then clothing and food will be sufficient for all." "If we quadruple our efforts in the fundamentals, then regular taxes and levies will be sufficient. If we quintuple them, trade between near and distant regions will flourish, the dead can be properly buried, and people's needs met. But now, without even doubling these efforts, the ruler's demands are endless. This forces people to resort to dishonest means; wealth cannot remain secure. If laws are then applied harshly, it leads to suffering among the common people: if they receive only three measures of grain per day, theft will occur in their own villages; if they get only two measures, theft will arise even within their neighborhoods." "If they receive just one measure of grain per day, even within their own households, theft will occur." "Now, those who engage in unjust and unrepentant actions consume forty times the grain of ordinary people. To expect such individuals not to lose their way or commit wrongdoing is impossible." "Moreover, if the ruler issues an order in the morning and demands it fulfilled by evening, those who have wealth will spend their money, while those without must sell their clothes and shoes. Farmers are forced to sell their five grains at a third of their value just to survive. Thus, with one angry decree from the ruler, cloth and silk flow out of the state into distant lands." "If the ruler's demands have no end, the people will be unable to meet them and will flee into the mountains for refuge." "Soldiers holding their weapons will no longer see their loved ones; families and clans will be broken apart. The people flee into the mountains, while soldiers desert to foreign lands—this is internal collapse that occurs without even a battle."
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管子曰：“今为国有地牧民者，务在四时，守在仓廪。国多财，则远者来。地辟举，则民留处。仓廪实，则知礼节。衣食足，则知荣辱。今君躬犁垦田，耕发草土，得其谷矣。民人之食，有人若干灸亩之数，然而有饿馁于衢闾者何也？谷有所藏也。今君铸钱立币，与民通移，人有百十之数，然而民有卖子者何也？财有所并也；故为人君不能散积聚，调高下，分并财，君虽强本趣耕，发草立币而无止，民犹若不足也。” |
| | Guan Zi said: "Now, for those who govern the state and manage its people with land, their duty lies in attending to the four seasons, and their defense lies in the granaries. "If a country is rich in resources, distant peoples will come." "If the land is cultivated and well managed, the people will remain settled." "When granaries are full, the people understand propriety and restraint." "When clothing and food are sufficient, the people know honor and disgrace." "Now, Your Majesty personally plows and cultivates the fields, tilling the land covered with weeds, and thus obtains grain. "Yet among the people, there are those who possess a certain number of acres for cultivation, and yet some still suffer from hunger in the streets and alleys—why is this so?" "It is because grain has been hoarded." "Now, Your Majesty mints coins and establishes currency to circulate among the people. Each person has dozens or hundreds of them; yet there are still those who must sell their children—why is that?" "It is because wealth has become concentrated in a few hands." "Therefore, if a ruler cannot distribute accumulated wealth, balance disparities in resources, and fairly divide concentrated riches, even though he encourages agriculture and issues currency without end, the people will still feel as though they have not enough."
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桓公问于管子曰：“今欲调高下，分并财，散积聚；不然，则世且并兼而无止，蓄馀藏羡而不息，贫贱鳏寡独老不与得焉，散之有道，分之有数乎？”管子对曰：“唯轻重之家为能散之耳，请以令轻重之家。”桓公曰：“诺。”东车五乘，迎癸乙于周下原。桓公问四因，与癸乙管子宁戚相与四坐。桓公曰：“请问轻重之数。”癸乙曰：“重籍其民者失其下，数欺诸侯者无权与。”管子差肩而问曰：“吾不籍吾民，何以奉车革，不籍吾民，何以待邻国？”癸乙曰：“唯好心为可耳，夫好心则万物通，万物通则万物铉，万物铉则万物贱，万物贱则万物可因，知万物之可因而不因者，夺于天下，夺于天下者，国之大贼也。”桓公曰：“请问好心万物之可因。”癸乙曰：“有馀富无馀乘者，责之卿诸侯。足其所，不赂其游者，责之令大夫；若止，则万物通；万物通，则万物铉；万物铉，则万物贱；万物贱，则万物可因矣。故知三准同厕者，能为天下。不知三准之同厕者，不能为天下；故申之以号令，抗之以徐疾也。民乎其归我若流水，此轻重之数也。” |
| | Huan gong asked Guan Zi: "Now I wish to balance disparities, divide concentrated wealth, and distribute accumulated resources; "Otherwise, the world will continue to see consolidation and monopolization without end; those with surplus wealth will keep accumulating it ceaselessly, while the poor, the lowly, the widowed, the orphaned, and the elderly will never share in these benefits. Is there a method for distributing this wealth? Are there standards by which we can divide it?" Guan Zi replied: "Only those who understand the principles of economic regulation are capable of distributing wealth. I request permission to implement policies based on these principles." Huan gong said: "Agreed." Five eastern carts were prepared to welcome Gui Yi from the lower plains of Zhou. Huan gong questioned the Four Reasons, and together with Gui Yi, Guan Zi, and Ning Qi, they sat in a group of four. Huan gong said: "I would like to ask about the principles of economic regulation." Gui Yi said: "A ruler who heavily taxes his people will lose their support, and one who frequently deceives the feudal lords will have no authority left." Guan Zi, leaning forward respectfully, asked: "If I do not tax my people, how can I provide for chariots and military equipment? If I do not tax them, how can I prepare to meet the needs of neighboring states?" Gui Yi said: "Only with a benevolent heart is this possible. A benevolent heart allows all things to flow freely; when all things flow, they become balanced; when balanced, their value becomes low; and when their value is low, they can be utilized effectively. If one understands that resources are available for use but fails to act upon it, he will lose the support of the people. One who loses the support of the people is a great enemy to his state." Huan gong said: "Please explain how a benevolent heart can make all things available for use." Gui Yi said: "Those who have surplus wealth but no excess chariots should be held accountable by the high ministers and feudal lords. "Those whose needs are met yet do not bribe officials or wanderers must be addressed by the magistrates; "If this is done properly, then all things will flow freely." "When all things flow freely, they become balanced. "When they are balanced, their value decreases." "When their value is low, all things can be effectively utilized." "Therefore, one who understands the three standards and unifies calculations can govern the world." "One who does not understand these three standards and unified calculations cannot govern the world; "Therefore, decrees must be issued to reinforce them, and their implementation should be adjusted with measured speed." "The people will return to me like flowing water—this is the principle of economic regulation."
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桓公问于管子曰：“今倳戟十万，薪菜之靡，日虚十里之衍；顿戟一噪，而靡币之用，日去千金之积，久之且何以待之？”管子对曰：“粟贾平四十，则金贾四千，粟贾釜四十，则锺四百也。十锺四千也，二十锺者为八千也。金贾四千，则二金中八千也。然则一农之事，终岁耕百亩，百亩之收，不过二十锺，一农之事，乃中二金之财耳；故粟重黄金轻，黄金重而粟轻，两者不衡立，故善者重粟之贾。釜四百，则是锺四千也。十锺四万，二十锺者八万，金贾四千，则是十金四万也。二十金者为八万，故发号出令曰：一农之事，有二十金之厕，然则地非有广狭，国非有贫富也，通于发号出令，审于轻重之数使然。” |
| | Huan gong asked Guan zi: "Now, with ten thousand spears and halberds deployed, the consumption of firewood and vegetables drains an area equivalent to ten li of fertile land each day; "Each time the soldiers rest and raise a clamor, their expenses in coin drain away a thousand jin of accumulated wealth each day. In the long run, how can we possibly sustain this?" Guan Zi replied: "When the price of grain is forty, then gold will be worth four thousand. When a dou of grain costs forty, then a zhong of grain would cost four hundred." "Ten zhong equal four thousand; twenty zhong amount to eight thousand." "If gold is valued at four thousand, then two jin of gold are equivalent to eight thousand." "Therefore, the labor of one farmer working a full year on a hundred mu can yield no more than twenty zhong. Thus, the produce from one farmer's work is equivalent to only two jin in value; "Therefore, when grain is valuable and gold is cheap, or when gold becomes expensive while grain is cheap, the two cannot remain in balance. Thus, those who govern wisely will raise the price of grain." "If a dou costs four hundred, then a zhong would cost four thousand." "Ten zhong amount to forty thousand; twenty zhong total eighty thousand. If gold is priced at four thousand, then ten jin of gold equal forty thousand." "Therefore, twenty jin of gold amount to eighty thousand. Thus, when issuing decrees and commands: the value from one farmer's labor is equivalent to a calculation of twenty jin. Therefore, it is not that the land itself has become wider or narrower, nor that the state has grown richer or poorer—it is simply due to skillful issuance of orders and an understanding of economic principles."
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管子曰：“湩然击鼓，士忿怒。枪然击金，士帅然厕，桐鼓从之，舆死扶伤，争进而无止，口满用，手满钱，非大父母之仇也，重禄重赏之所使也。故轩冕立于朝，爵禄不随，臣不为忠。中军行战，委予之赏不随，士不死其列陈；然则是大臣执于朝，而列陈之士执于赏也。故使父不得子其子，兄不得弟其弟，妻不得有其夫。唯重禄重赏为然耳。故不远道里，而能威绝域之民，不险山川，而能服有恃之国，发若雷霆，动若风雨，独出独入，莫之能圉。” |
| | Guan Zi said: "When drums are suddenly beaten, the soldiers become angry. "When the clang of metal is suddenly sounded, the soldiers are stirred and ready. When the drums follow in rhythm, they carry the wounded and push forward without end, mouths full of demands, hands grasping for money—not because they have a deep grudge against their parents or loved ones, but because heavy rewards and generous salaries drive them." "Therefore, if titles and honors are displayed in court without being accompanied by actual rank or reward, officials will not be loyal. "If the central army engages in battle but rewards for valor are not promptly given, soldiers will not die fighting at their posts; "Therefore, it is the high ministers who hold power in court and the battlefield soldiers who depend on rewards." "Therefore, fathers cannot protect their sons, older brothers cannot support their younger siblings, and wives cannot be with their husbands. "This is only possible through generous salaries and substantial rewards." "Therefore, without traveling great distances, one can command the people of distant lands; without relying on mountainous terrain or rivers, one can subdue powerful states. The force is as sudden as thunder and lightning, as unstoppable as wind and rain—entering and exiting alone, no one can resist."
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桓公曰：“四夷不服，恐其逆政，游于天下，而伤寡人，寡人之行，为此有道乎？”管子对曰：“吴越不朝，珠象而以为币乎！发朝鲜不朝，请文皮毤。服而以为币乎！禺氏不朝，请以白璧为币乎！昆仑之虚不朝，请以璆琳琅玕为币乎！故夫握而不见于手，含而不见于口，而辟千金者，珠也，然后八千里之吴越可得而朝也。一豹之皮容金而金也，然后八千里之发朝鲜可得而朝也，怀而不见于抱，挟而不见于腋，而辟千金者，白璧也，然后八千里之禺氏可得而朝也。簪珥而辟千金者，璆琳琅玕也，然后八千里之昆仑虚可得而朝也；故物无主，事无接，远近无以相因，则四夷不得而朝矣。” |
| | Huan gong said: "The four barbarian regions do not submit. I fear they may rebel against my rule, roam across the world, and harm me. Is there a way for my actions to address this?" Guan Zi replied: "If Wu and Yue do not pay homage, then use pearls and ivory as currency! "If the state of Chaoxian does not submit, request fine furs. "Use them as tribute!" "If Yu Shi does not pay homage, request white jade as tribute! "If the people of Kunlun do not submit, then request qiu lin and lang gan (precious stones) as tribute!" "Therefore, something that can be held but not seen in the hand, or contained yet unseen by the mouth, which is worth a thousand jin—this is a pearl. With such treasures, even Wu and Yue, eight thousand li away, may be brought to pay homage." "One leopard skin, though small in size, can be exchanged for gold—this is how the distant Chaoxian, eight thousand li away, might come to submit. Something that one carries without it being seen when held close, or tucked under the arm yet unseen, which still commands a value of a thousand jin—is this not white jade? With such treasures, even Yu Shi, eight thousand li distant, may be brought into submission." "Ornaments such as earrings that command a value of a thousand jin are qiu lin and lang gan. With these, even the distant Kunlun people, eight thousand li away, can be brought to submit." "Therefore, if goods have no owner, affairs are not managed properly, and there is no connection between the near and the distant, then the four barbarian regions will never come to pay homage."
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