Nominating the Right Administrators
84. There are three factors which contribute to an unstable government. First, the right persons are not appointed to do the right jobs. Second, the right persons are identified but they decline to join the government. Third, the right persons are appointed but their talents are never put to good use.
Scroll 36: Shi Zi
85. Mozi said: “Today the government wishes to make the country prosperous and populous, with law and order, and everyone receiving education. But what was the reason that stopped this from happening? It was because the government did not consider honoring virtuous and able men and appointing them to assume important positions as part of the administrative strategy. In fact, a country would enjoy political stability when run by men of virtues. Therefore the most urgent task for senior ministers now is to ensure that more worthy people are working for the government.”
Scroll 34: Mo Zi
86. The ancient government required the patrimonial lords to nominate virtuous and able people at regular intervals to serve in the imperial government. During the reign of Emperor Xiao Wu of the Han dynasty, besides nominating filial and honest men from prefectures to assume government positions, accomplished scholars were also selected to serve in official posts. As a result, many well-known and accomplished ministers and officials were created in both the civil and military wings of the government. The Han dynasty was able to recruit the service of many worthy individuals using these methods.
Scroll 23: Hou Han Shu, Vol. 3
87. In the past, if a ruler made a request to select officials, his ministers would submit their nominations. If the right candidate was recommended, the nominator would be rewarded. But if the wrong candidate was recommended, the nominator would be punished. In this way the ministers had no choice but to seek and nominate thebest candidates for their government.
Scroll 30: Jin Shu, Vol. 2
88. If the selection of officials is not carried out under stringent measures, it will only create opportunities for malpractices in the government; and if the recruiting of virtuous officials is not encouraged, the process of searching for these candidates will be hindered. In selecting potential candidates, it means that ministers have to take turns to make nominations. To act under stringent measures means that the nominators and the nominees are accountable for each other. If the right candidate is not recommended, the nominating ministers will be penalized; and if there are nomination frauds, the officials will also be punished. As such, officials will be deterred from malpractices and will thus strive to look for worthy talents to serve the country.
Scroll 30: Jin Shu, Vol. 2