Confucianism

Chapter2— Wei Chang — To Govern

◆ About this chapter

Chapter Two of the Analects, traditionally titled 'Wei Chang' or 'To Govern,' serves as a pivotal transition from the earlier biographical sketches of Confucius to a more systematic exposition of his political and ethical philosophy. This section introduces the concept of the ruler as a moral exemplar, famously comparing virtuous governance to the North Star that holds its place while all others revolve around it. Within the broader Confucian canon, these dialogues establish the foundational link between personal cultivation and the stability of the state, emphasizing that social order arises not merely from legal coercion but from the transformative power of moral leadership and self-reflection.

Translation:

About this translation

King James Version (1611)

1611 · Public domain

The most influential English translation ever made. Sometimes archaic, but the standard PD English text.

Translators commissioned by King James I of England, 1604–1611

The Master said, 'He who exercises government by means of his virtue may be compared to the north polar star, which keeps its place and all the stars turn towards it.' ³The Master said, 'If the people be led by laws, and uniformity sought to be given them by punishments, they will try to avoid the punishment, but have no sense of shame. If they be led by virtue, and uniformity sought to be given them by the rules of propriety, they will have the sense of shame, and moreover will become good.' ⁴The Master said, 'At fifteen, I had my mind bent on learning. At thirty, I stood firm. At forty, I had no doubts. At fifty, I knew the decrees of Heaven. At sixty, my ear was an obedient organ for the reception of truth. At seventy, I could follow what my heart desired, without transgressing what was right.'Inner vs Outer Purity ¹¹The Master said, 'If a man keeps cherishing his old knowledge, so as continually to be acquiring new, he may be a teacher of others.' ¹⁵The Master said, 'Learning without thought is labour lost; thought without learning is perilous.' ¹⁷The Master said, 'Yu, shall I teach you what knowledge is? When you know a thing, to hold that you know it; and when you do not know a thing, to allow that you do not know it — this is knowledge.'

This chapter appears in 1 cross-tradition parallel

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Inner vs Outer Purityv4

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