| Reform of the Law: |
Gong sun Yang said: "Former generations did not follow the same doctrines, so what antiquity should one imitate? The emperors and kings did not copy one another, so what rites should one follow? Fu Xi and Shen nong taught but did not punish; Huang di, Yao and Shun punished but were not angry; Wen wang and Wu wang both established laws in accordance with what was opportune and regulated rites according to practical requirements; as rites and laws were fixed in accordance with what was opportune, regulations and orders were all expedient, and weapons, armour, implements and equipment were all practical. Therefore, I say: 'There is more than one way to govern the world and there is no necessity to imitate antiquity, in order to take appropriate measures for the state.' Tang and Wu succeeded in attaining supremacy without following antiquity, and as for the downfall of Yin and Xia - they were ruined without rites having been altered. Consequently, those who acted counter to antiquity do not necessarily deserve blame, nor do those who followed established rites merit much praise. Let Your Highness not hesitate." |
