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The Great Learning · 10 of 11

Commentary Chapter 9: Governing the State (continued)

In the Book of Poetry, it is said, "That peach tree, so delicate and elegant! How luxuriant is its foliage! This girl is going to her husband's house. She will rightly order her household." Let the household be rightly ordered, and then the people of the state may be taught. In the Book of Poetry, it is said, "They can discharge their duties to their elder brothers. They can discharge their duties to their younger brothers." Let the ruler discharge his duties to his elder and younger brothers, and then he may teach the people of the state. In the Book of Poetry, it is said, "In his deportment there is nothing wrong; he rectifies all the people of the state." Yes; when the ruler, as a father, a son, and a brother, is a model, then the people imitate him. This is what is meant by saying, "The government of his kingdom depends on his regulation of the family."

Echoes elsewhere

Bushido: The Soul of Japan · Shintohim lands; lands will bring forth for him wealth; wealth will give him the benefit of right uses. Virtue is the root, and wealth an outcome." Again, "Never has there been a case of The Mahabharata · Hinduismdoubt, if righteousness and duty come to an end, it will lead to the destruction of all creatures. That king who having amassed wealth makes it over (for safe keep) to his treasury The Works of Mencius · Confucianismwealth only on the prescribed ceremonies:-- so their wealth will be more than can be consumed. 3. 'The people cannot live without water and fire, yet if you knock at a man's door i The Doctrine of the Mean · Confucianismhow to govern other men, he knows how to govern the kingdom with all its states and families. "All who have the government of the kingdom with its states and families have nine sta