| Reform of the Law: |
But Gan Long said: "Not so. I have heard it said: 'A sage teaches without changing the people, and a wise man obtains good government without altering the laws.' If one teaches in accordance with the spirit of the people, success will be achieved without effort; if one governs, holding on to the law, officials will be well versed in it and the people will live quietly. Now, if Your Highness alters the laws without adhering to the old customs of the Ch'in state, and reforms the rites in order to teach the people, I am afraid that the empire will criticize Your Highness, and I wish that You would reflect maturely." |