Mozi

“ When ministers and subordinates give importance to their offices yet do not speak, close ministers fall silent, [10] distant officials mumble under their breaths, [11] unrest binds the heart of the people, sycophantic flattery by those at their sides surrounds superiors, and good counsel is obstructed, the state is endangered. ”

“ Of mourning: though there be ritual, should not sorrow be the seed? Of scholars: though they have learning, should not conduct be their seed? For this reason, seeds that are not placed securely, there will not be a bountiful harvest. ”

“ When the masses are lenient on themselves but stern with others, the noble person progresses and does not fail in his aspirations or in carefully examining his motivations. Even though lesser peoples mix into the masses, they are without begrudging hearts, as the lesser peoples have much confidence. ”

“ A noble person examines what is close by and finds that those close by are cultivated [1] . When uncultivated behavior is seen, or slanderous activities appear, among those close, they correct themselves. ”

“ Examine these cases: although there is a worthy ruler, they love not incompetent ministers. Although a father may be kind, he will not love profitless offspring. For this reason, the person that is not equal to the responsibilities their position involves and yet enjoys its authority is not the person for this position. The person who does not measure up to their rank and yet retains its benefits is not the proper recipient. ”

“ For this reason, rivers from the north to the south do not disdain small ravines for filling themselves. Hence, the affairs of adept sages are done without resignation, and they reject nothing; thus can one become an instrument for all the world. ”

“ If those near do not feel kinship toward you, then those farther away wouldn't bother coming near you. If your family is not cooperative, do not bother befriending those outside of it. When your affairs are without end after starting, there is no use in endeavoring to take on many enterprises. ”

“ A defensive voice should not be allowed to come out of the mouth. The want to gravely injure people should not be allowed to exist in the heart. If this is accomplished, though there be people who cynically expose others, they would be without people who would align with them. ”

“ For this reason, those who do that which is difficult to them will surely receive that which they desire. But there are just as surely none who pursue their desires yet avoid that which they hate. Therefore, overbearing ministers harm the ruler, [6] and flattering underlings damage their superiors. A lord must most definitely have efficient ministers, [7] and superiors must have most uncompromising underlings. [8]
Separate the advisors who are delayed in their counsel, as well as the realism of those who support the negligent. ”

“ To see the worthy but not hasten to them will make the country's ruler less able to perform his duties. To the unworthy is due no attention. The ignorant should remain without inclusion in the state's affairs. ”

“ In the case of each of those men, they faced in their countries oppression and great humiliation.
The highest of people are without loss of those under them. Failure turned into success; this is the efficiently employed people of the nation. ”

“ Good bows are difficult to draw; thus, they can fly high and pierce deeply. A good horse is difficult to ride; thus, it can bear heavy burdens and be sent a great distance forth. A genius is difficult to order ”