| | No one has ever been able to cure an illness without first understanding its root cause. When both literary and martial methods are employed yet fail to achieve results, it refers to the situation where laws and decrees are lax and thus ineffective in punishing wrongdoing. To abandon this and seek something else—how could success ever be achieved? Mysterious words are easy to speak, but practical words are hard. Therefore, a father cannot obtain what he desires from his son, and a ruler cannot obtain what he seeks from his minister. It is evident how Heaven establishes trust in things; yet it remains unseen how people establish trust in them. To abandon material concerns and rely on circumstances is the way of Heaven. By abandoning material concerns and relying on circumstances, nothing can dominate without aligning with Heaven. Things are inherently flexible and thus can be altered; people are malleable and therefore can be guided. Laws that regulate things without claiming self-importance embody the Way of Heaven. Those who claim to be ministers devoted to teaching and loyalty are not sufficient to rely upon. Therefore, laws are the regulations that govern details, the officials who prepare for duties, and the ruler's authority in their application. To commend virtue without being obscure, to correct faults without being secretive. This is what the law values most. If a whetstone is not used, even if objects are bent or shaped by force, there will be those that do not function properly. When there exists a gap between ruler and subject, defenses are established and knowledge of concealment arises simultaneously. Therefore, when governance resides in private hands and cannot be reclaimed, when powerful individuals manipulate authority and cannot be restrained, when rewards are given for no merit and cannot be revoked, and when laws are neglected and not upheld—such a state cannot endure. When punishments are carried out against those who are not truly at fault, yet cannot be stopped, it is because the ruler does not understand his people. To lead the common people to set aside their own interests and place the ruler at the center of their concerns—this is what education aims to achieve. The governance based on the Eight Extremes cannot always provide timely assistance, hence it may become obstructed and blocked. In ancient times, those who followed the Way in governing did not rely on what they heard or saw alone. The ear governs hearing; the eye governs clarity. A single leaf blocking the eye can make Mount Tai invisible; two beans plugged in the ears can prevent one from hearing thunder. When the Way is open yet rejected, such a thing has never been heard of. To see something abandoned and not pick it up is contrary to human nature. To trust in sentiment and cultivate life, yet invite heavenly punishment; to act against human norms and suffer disgrace—this is beyond one's capacity. To strive for success and seek attainment—is this not the expectation of affairs? To act on behalf of the people is the essence of the Way. Only when the people understand their limits will they not be replaced or substituted. This is how sage kings transmit their teachings, to preserve and uphold the system. When education becomes burdensome, people's conduct grows shallow; when the root is lost, contention arises over trivialities. People have their designated roles in society; society has its divisions according to land; land is apportioned under Heaven; Heaven operates according to time; time follows numerical patterns; numbers are measured by standards; and all standards ultimately derive from the One. Heaven occupies a high position yet listens attentively to what is low—this is precisely what is meant. Therefore, the sage king, in accordance with the harmony of Heaven's time and humanity's land, does not appoint those without merit to positions of power. Respecting the ruler and subordinating ministers is not based on personal affection; employing the virtuous and capable is not determined by social status. Water and fire do not mix—this is Heaven's regulation. Clarity that cannot illuminate means the Way cannot be attained; a standard that cannot encompass something means strength cannot carry it. One who, with self-awareness and wisdom, causes jade to be transformed into a ring or pendant—this is when governance turns into deception. A field that does not follow the natural contours of the land cannot produce grain; transformation without considering the people cannot establish a custom. Severity and haste are excesses; joy and anger must be measured appropriately. When these four aspects are already established, it is not the method of a teacher. When form is restrained yet disorder increases, it indicates that circumstances do not align or support one another. Virtue and life are subject to existence and demise; thus, they cannot serve as a reliable standard to follow. In the past, those who ruled wisely have never succeeded in governing well without aligning with both Heaven and humanity. The illustrious reputation of ancient sage kings was never achieved without the merit of virtuous men establishing it. Faults originate from above, and punishment falls upon those below. The reason for the customs of a corrupt age lies in one person, one person—this is where fate reaches its limit.
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