Chinese and Arabian Literature - E. Wilson - The Search For Mecca

TSZ-LU
BOOK XIII
Answers on the Art of Governing—Consistency
was asking about government. " Lead the way
in it," said the Master, " and work hard at it."
Requested to say more, he added, " And do not
tire of it."
Chung-kung, on being made first minister to the Chief of the
Ki family, consulted the Master about government, and to him
he said, " Let the heads of offices be heads. Excuse small
faults. Promote men of sagacity and talent."
" But," he asked, " how am I to know the sagacious and
talented, before promoting them ? "
" Promote those whom you do know," said the Master.
" As to those of whom you are uncertain, will others omit to
notice them ? "
Tsz-lu said to the Master, " As the prince of Wei, sir, has
been waiting for you to act for him in his government, what is
it your intention to take in hand first? "
" One thing of necessity," he answered — " the rectification
of terms."
" That ! " exclaimed Tsz-lu. " How far away you are, sir !
Why such rectification ? "
" What a rustic you are, Tsz-lu ! " rejoined the Master. " A
gentleman would be a little reserved and reticent in matters
which he does not understand. If terms be incorrect, language
will be incongruous ; and if language be incongruous, deeds
will be imperfect. So, again, when deeds are imperfect, pro-
priety and harmony cannot prevail, and when this is the case
laws relating to crime will fail in their aim ; and if these last
so fail, the people will not know where to set hand or foot.
Hence, a man of superior mind, certain first of his terms, is
fitted to speak ; and being certain of what he says can proceed
upon it. In the language of such a person there is nothing
heedlessly irregular—and that is the sum of the matter."
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