Analects 12:19

In this particular day I shall be interpreting a verse from the Analects namely 12:19.  In A Source Book In Chinese Philosophy, Wing Tsit Chan presents the verse:

“Chi K’ang Tzu asked Confucius about government, saying, ‘What do you think about killing the wicked and associating with the good?’ Confucius replied, ‘In your government what is the need of killing? If you desire what is good, the people will be good.  The character of the ruler is like the wind and that of the people is like the grass.  In whatever direction the wind blows, the grass always bends.’ ” ¹

Firstly, let us discuss the theme of the verse.   The theme revolves around the “chun tzu” as Philosopher-King.  This theme gives the emphasis that one who has the noblest character is fit to be a ruler.  This is because Confucius believed that a person who is grounded by deep thinking and moral perfection can govern a state properly.   This is because of his example that can motivate others to follow his character.  In this sense a state can be effective and efficient.  This governance, however, does not necessarily mean that the “chun tzu” is required to have a position in government.

Let us reflect on this in the answer given by Confucius to Chi K’ang Tzu.

“In your government what is the need of killing? If you desire what is good, the people will be good.  The character of the ruler is like the wind and that of the people is like the grass.  In whatever direction the wind blows, the grass always bends.”

In this reply given by Confucius, the emphasis is in the qualities of the “chun tzu“.   This is depicted in the notion of a good disposition that can be rooted from deep reflection, which in turn can mold a person in desiring what is good.   A ruler is the point of reference in a society and government.   If he is equipped which such inclination towards the good, then surely his subjects will follow him.  This is because he was the one who made the possibility attainable, seeing that his image represented the concept of how a “man” should live out his life.  It is because of this humanity that people feel related to him, and it is because in this sense of kin that people are moved to follow his way and his ideals.  This is what the sentence “In whatever direction the wind blows, the grass always bends.” is saying.

The right of governance, however, is not exclusive to public officials.  It is also applicable to the ordinary citizens of the State.   Being a “chun tzu” implies one to actively plunge himself into the affairs of state, may it be in being a public official or a citizen.   Either way, these are opportunities to promote peace and harmony.  It is in the effective and efficient fulfillment of roles in the society in which true “governance” is realized.   It is in setting good examples for people to refer to which can truly make good governance.  It does not solely depend on the political experience of the leader.  It needs the cooperation and participation of the people. 

The Confucian verse teaches one that being a noble man means to take the responsibility of governing his people in righteousness.  This governance, however, does not necessarily imply that one must take on a governmental post to actualize good governance.  This can be done even in being an effective citizen who abides in the law and does his job properly.   Setting a good example for one’s colleagues or subjects is what matters in being a true “ruler” of a state.   One does not have to resort to authority in order to propagate the idea of peace and harmony.   In being a worthy exemplar of values, a state can prosper, for the possibility of attaining such moral perfection is being proved by the actions and decisions of a true noble man. 

True leadership is setting a right example to the followers so that they will practice the same ideals.  Every leadership is a call to self-discipline and moral ascendancy.   It is a call that requires selfless service to the people being led.   Thus, a true leader knows authentic humanism, practices it in the service, decides with justness and propriety, considers the followers as partners, and finds strength in virtues. In this way, those who follow him will find fulfillment in their lives.

Source:

  1.       Wing Tsit Chan, “The Humanism of Confucius”, (United States: Princeton University Press, 1963), In A Source Book In Chinese Philosophy, 40.