When Tzŭ-chien governed Shan-fu, the people adhered to him.
Confucius said, "Tell me the means you employ in governing
them."
He replied, "At the proper seasons I open the public granaries,
aid[2]
those in trouble, and help those who have not sufficient."
Confucius said, "This merely brings over the common people.[3]
It is not enough."
"I reward the capable, summon those with great abilities, and
retire the unworthy."
Confucius said, "This merely brings over the upper classes.
It is not enough."
"There are three men I treat as one treats a father, five I treat
as elder brothers, twelve I treat as friends, and one I treat as my
teacher."
Confucius said, "Treating the three men as fathers [is enough
to teach filial pietly];[4]
treating five as elder brothers is enough
to teach fraternal feeling;[5]
treating twelve men as friends is
enough to do away with impediments to access to yourself; treating
[even] one man as a teacher is sufficient guarantee that in plans
you will not lack devices, and in undertakings you will not fall
short of success.[6]
Alas, the place you govern is small.[7]
If it were
large, you might be classed together with Yao and Shun."
The Ode says,[8]
The happy and courteous sovereign
Is the parent of the people.
Tzŭ-chien resembles him.