The Master said, 'If a man is able to govern his country with the rules of propriety, what difficulty will he have? If he cannot govern his country with the rules of propriety, what has he to do with the rules of propriety?'
— Confucius Ancient

Chinese philosopher, founder of Confucianism

Share:

Details

Context

Analects, Book IV, Chapter 13

Date / Period

c. 5th century BCE

Category

Humorous

Source

https://www.gutenberg.org/files/3330/3330-h/3330-h.htm#link2H_4_0004

Verification

Unverifiable

Explanation

Found in 1 providers: grok

Method

Cross Reference

Sources Checked

1 source

More from Confucius

"When you have faults, do not fear to abandon them."

Strange & Unusual

"It is not possible for one to be a gentleman and yet not be benevolent."

Strange & Unusual

"If a man does not say to himself, 'What shall I think of this? What shall I think of this?' I can make nothing of him."

Philosophical

"The gentleman considers righteousness to be essential. He performs it according to the rules of propriety. He brings it forth in humility. He completes it with sincerity. This is indeed a gentleman."

Strange & Unusual

"Reviewing the old as a means of understanding the new — such a person can be a teacher."

Humorous
View all sayings from Confucius