Be Discreet
152. Human craving is dangerous, while mindful cultivation of morality is subtle. Only through diligent cultivation and single-mindedness can one attain the middle path. One should never trust beliefs that are unfounded (in classical works) and should never adopt strategies that are yet to be approved by men of virtues.
Scroll 2: Shang Shu
153. Confucius said: “When a man of noble character (Junzi) made a meaningful speech at home, his words might spread to places more than a thousand miles away, and what’s more in the neighbourhood? On the other hand, if he made an inappropriate speech at home, his words might provoke others more than a thousand miles away, and what’s more in the neighbourhood? His speech has a telling effect on the people, and what he does at home might have an impact on others from faraway places. The speech and actions of a Junzi are like the hinges of the door and the spring of a crossbow. Their speedy movement brings about glorious or disgraceful consequences. Being so influential his speech and actions, how could a Junzi not be vigilant?”
Scroll 1: Zhou Yi
154. A ruler is strong because he has virtuous ministers in his government. Thus, nations from four corners of the world would come and heed its practices. A ruler exemplifies virtuous conduct so lords from the four corners of the world would submit under his command. People would follow his respectful, discreet and dignified manners. Educational laws are enacted based on the ancients’ ethical standards; conducts are expected to be appropriate and pleasant. Carving and polishing can remove the flaws on a piece of white jade, but the harm done by defective laws is difficult to redress!
Scroll 3: Mao Shi
155. Confucius said: “A man of noble character (Junzi) advises people to be kind through his speech, and keeps them away from acts of evil by his exemplary role. Hence, before speaking, he is very mindful of the effects of his words, and extremely careful of the consequence of his actions, so that everyone will be mindful when speaking, and cautious before doing anything.”
Scroll 7: Li Ji
156. Even a speed as swift as lightning can never retract a slip of the tongue; even a man as talented as Lu Ban cannot eliminate the ill effects of an inappropriate speech. A person may not often think thrice before uttering decent words, but it is possible to avoid speaking words of mockery in order to prevent misfortunes from happening.
Scroll 50: Bao Pu Zi
157. Any speech that is spoken once but can never be repeated will not be said by a ruler. Anything that is done once but cannot be repeated will not be carried out by a ruler. Words and actions that cannot be repeated are the ruler’s main taboos.
Scroll 32: Guan Zi
158. Being a royal dignity of the highest order, everyone in the kingdom is under a ruler’s command. However, when the ruler was in the Tai Xue (Imperial University), he showed great respect for the Three Elder Teachers in the manner of a filial son serving his parents. He also appointed men of virtues to be his ministers and sought the assistance of righteous people to remonstrate with him. The respect and care for the Three Elder Teachers demonstrated filial piety. The virtuous ministers were appointed to prevent him from being arrogant, and the remonstrating officials were employed to remind him of his faults.
Scroll 17: Han Shu, Vol. 5
159. If a minister overlooks an error and does not manage it cautiously, it is like sitting in a carriage whose axle has lost the two linchpins on both ends. By being easily satisfied with minor progress, he does not see the disasters that will cause him to stumble. The dangers caused by the defective carriage can be easily discovered by anyone, but disasters that loom in the distance are not readily felt. Be aware of this and remain on guard day and night as if danger is imminent, and stay vigilant to prevent committing the slightest mistake.
Scroll 47: Liu Yi Zheng Lun