Those in power should not take the people for granted

There is an on-going debate about "fairness". Let me quote Confucius.

According to Confucius, in order to lead, it is important for a leader to be fair so that all are given equal treatment and no one is considered inferior relative to the others. Confucius cautioned that those in power should not oppress or take for granted even the humblest of their people. "You may rob the Three Armies of their commander," said Confucius, "but you cannot deprive the humblest peasant of his opinion." If this does not happen, a leader will no longer be given the mandate to lead.

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Confucius on good government

During his life, Confucius served as a public official and had many things to say about good government:

• Leaders should always serve the people with honesty, fairness, and, once again, humaneness.
• Leaders should preside over the people with dignity, and they will be serious.
• Leaders should be filial and kind, and they (the people) will be loyal.
• Leaders should promote the good, instruct the unskilled, and they will be enthusiastic.
• Leaders should dwell on it [government] tirelessly; carry it out faithfully.
• Appoint the wise and talented to office.
• Trust, above all else, is the most important thing for a government to strive for - above arms and even food, for "nothing can be established without the trust of the people.
• An ignoble man cannot serve in government, because he "worries about getting something, and once he has gotten it he worries about losing it. ...there's no telling what he might do."
• Always "put service first and gain after."
  
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Our politicians still have much to learn from Confucius... Will they ever?

Confucius on old age

Old age, believe me, is a good and pleasant thing. It is true you are gently shouldered off the stage, but then you are given such a comfortable front stall as spectator -Confucius

We should also take a leaf from Confucius' book

According to Confucius the first principle of good governance is that the Leader must be sincere and of impeccable character. Confucius said ‘If the leader sets an example of being correct, who would dare to remain incorrect?’.

It is significant that the Chinese word cheng (to govern) and cheng (to correct) come from the same root. The ruler rules by the ‘mandate of heaven’, if he becomes dishonest or corrupt, he loses this mandate.

A golden rule

The most famous Confucian saying is the Confucian version of the Golden Rule—"I would not want to do to others what I do not want them to do to me"

How did Confucius behave?

It was recorded that, "Confucius' manner was affable yet firm, commanding but not harsh, polite but completely at ease". He was easy to get along with, but he was not pushed around because of weakness. His inner strength seemed to give him poise and a free-flowing manner.

In his leisure hours Confucius' manner was very free-and-easy, and his expression alert and cheerful. Confucius was a very positive person. He had a good sense of humor and used it often.

Confucius was also most polite. Proper human relations were most important to Confucius, and even in the smallest matters he showed his respect for people.

Confucius quotes

When anger rises, think of the consequences.
Confucius

Respect yourself and others will respect you.
Confucius

The superior man is modest in his speech, but exceeds in his actions
Confucius

"Li" in the work place

I started my education in a Chinese primary school 55 years ago. The school Principal of the second Chinese primary school that I attended (in Parit Buntar), who was then maybe about 50, came from China. He used to explain to us in very simple language the teachings of Confucius. As I grew up my interest in the teachings of Confucius continued.

Confucius taught a Code of Conduct called "Li". I recall long ago reading in a Chinese book about the application of "Li" in the workplace. Throughout my career of 30 years in the service, I tried to hold on to the principles of "Li" in my everyday life and in my workplace. I found that consciously practicing the "Li" principles had brought me inner peace and contentment, even when adverse situations arose in the workplace.

Li in the workplace

The practice of Li in the workplace is comprehensive, ranging from smiling at a co-worker to being kind to others. It includes a sense of willingness to serve others. It includes a sense of self-responsibility and discipline. It includes not engaging in practices that are unethical and corrupt . It includes being respectful of all in the work place, irrespective of rank. It includes working with a commitment to realize the objectives of the organization. It includes ensuring the well being of fellow colleagues.

The opposite of Li bahaviour in the work place is the obsession on “self.” This includes rudeness, insensitivity, bullying, gossiping, and being disrespectful. It includes not recognizing the importance of fellow workers and speaking ill of others.

Cultivated people

Confucius said,

Cultivated people have nine thoughts.

• When they look, they think of how to see clearly.
• When they listen, they think of how to hear keenly.
• In regard to their appearance, they think of how to be warm.
• In their demeanor, they think of how to be respectful.
• In their speech, they think of how to be truthful.
• In their work, they think of how to be serious.
• When in doubt, they think of how to pose questions.
• When angry, they think of trouble.
• When they see gain to be had, they think of justice.