Promotion

Original Text:

仲弓为季氏宰问政子曰先有司赦小过举贤才曰焉知贤才而举之子曰举尔所知尔所不知人其舍诸

Translation:

Other Translations:

Zhonggong, who was serving as a steward for the Ji Family, asked the Master about governing.

The Master said, “First appoint your supervising officials, then overlook their petty faults and promote those who are worthy and talented.”

“How can I recognize those who are worthy and talented so that I can promote them?”

“Just promote the ones you know. As for those you do not know, will others allow them to be passed over?”

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

Zhonggong, who was serving as steward to the Ji family, asked about government.

The Master said, Your first concern should be the officers in your employ. Excuse minor shortcomings, and promote those of outstanding talent.

How can I know those of outstanding talent in order to promote them?

The Master said, Promote those you know to be worthy. As for those you don’t know, will others fail to mention them?

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