| | For a ruler to govern well, he must have virtuous assistants before peace and stability can be achieved. Therefore, the ruler is called the head of the body, while ministers are compared to the limbs; they form one single entity. They depend on each other in order to function properly. Therefore, Taotang was reverent and wise, the Fuxi clan maintained orderly governance; Youyu had clear vision, Yu Kai spread moral instruction. All of these exemplified how a ruler initiated action while ministers harmonized with it, jointly assisting in heavenly duties. Thus they were able to achieve harmony between heaven and earth, universal prosperity through peace and concord—this was the rule of great virtue. To follow the customs of the times and establish moral influence, to build achievements according to the era—caution lies in attending to three matters alone. First is selecting people; second is following the will of the people; third is adapting to the time. If circumstances change but one does not adapt, it would be an ill omen against Heaven's will. If the people look forward to something but their expectations are ignored, it is a fault of defying the people. To desire virtue yet be unable to select proper individuals leads to the calamity of corrupt governance. If these three principles are lost, then the relationship between Heaven and humanity becomes inverted. When people become disunited, the time becomes adverse; when the time is adverse, Heaven's will is defied. To defy Heaven and yet hope for national stability has never occurred.
|
