The Governing Principles of Ancient China

Editor’s note: This is an extract from The Governing Principles of Ancient China, based on 360 passages excerpted from the original compilation titled Qunshu Zhiyao, or The Compilation of Books and Writings on Important Governing Principles. Commissioned by Emperor Tang Taizong of the Tang Dynasty in the seventh century, the book contains advice, methods and historical notes on the successes and failures of the imperial governments of China. Today it continues to be relevant as a source of inspiration for selfimprovement, family management and interpersonal relations. ॺ៖լެΙܩ۝ՂՀΔ׀՗כݬ Δॺ៖լࡳΙ৚ᖂࠃஃΔ ॺ៖լᘣΙఄཛए૨Δ፟ࡴ۩ऄΔॺ៖৖ᣤլ۩Ιᡷరผ सΔࠎ࿯೒壀Δॺ៖լᇨլ๗Ζ! ΰ࠴ԮΓ៖ಖα Without propriety, acts of benevolence, righteousness, and virtues cannot be realized. Using teachings that contain no propriety to impart sagely values to the society will inevitably create discrepancies. Without propriety, quarrels and debates about what is right or wrong cannot be resolved fairly. Further, the roles and relationship played by leaders and subordinates, parents and children, as well as among siblings cannot be determined without the stipulation of propriety. In learning how to run a good administration or other areas of study, failing to observe propriety will make teachers slack in their teachings and students inattentive toward their studies. It will be difficult to foster a close bond between teachers and students. Be it the drawing of tables of government ranks or the organization of the army, the appointment of officials to task or the execution of laws: If they are not done according to the proper protocol, they will lose their dignity and the confidence of the people. Whether it is a regular or special memorial service for the deceased, or a ceremony for making offerings to the gods and spirits, if these were not done in accordance to proper rites and rituals, the results will only reveal our insincerity as the ceremony will fail to be solemn and respectful. Scroll 7: