Lead - Confucian Pages

Other Translations:

Zilu asked about governing.

The Master replied, “Precede the common people in accepting the burden of labor.”

When asked to elaborate, he added, “Do not slacken in your efforts.”

Confucius, & Slingerland, E. (2003). Analects: With selections from traditional commentaries. Hackett Publishing.

Zilu asked about government. The Master said, Do it by leading, and by rewarding.

Anything further, may I ask?

The Master said, Never be neglectful.

Confucius, & Watson, B. (2007). The Analects of Confucius. Columbia University Press.

Analects 1.13

Leave a Comment / Analects, Analects - Book One

Original Text:

有子曰信近于义言可复也恭近于礼远耻辱也因不失其亲亦可宗也

Translation:

Other Translations:

Master You said, “Trustworthiness comes close to rightness, in that your word can be counted upon. Reverence comes close to ritual propriety, in that it allows you to keep shame and public disgrace at a distance. Simply following these virtues, never letting them out of your sight – one cannot deny that this is worthy of respect.”
Confucius, & Slingerland, E. (2003). Analects: With selections from traditional commentaries. Hackett Publishing.

Master You said, Trustworthiness is close to rightness – it ensure that people will live up to their word. Courtesy is close to ritual decorum – it ensures that people will give wide berth to shame and disgrace. When one makes no mistakes in what he favors, he can serve as a leader.
Confucius, & Watson, B. (2007). The Analects of Confucius. Columbia University Press.