Magdasoc, Angelie T.

S-Eng 15 Afro-Asian Literature

Prof. Maria Sarah Palma

24 February 2014

Establishing a Good Government through Commendable Leaders as Shown in

the Analects of Confucius

Confucius, as known by many, is a Chinese philosopher who is famous with his

social, educational, moral and political beliefs. Among the four, the latter is what I found

very useful considering the present condition of several governments. Through

profoundly understanding the Analects of Confucius, it could be inferred that for him, the

amelioration of a society depends on the values manifested by its people, more

importantly, the leader. He believed that a worthy leader must be righteous by thoughts

and by deeds to perform good governance within his jurisdiction.

The sense of righteousness is what most of the politicians do not have

nowadays. It is very evident in the displeasing events occuring in the world of politics.

During elections, the phrase ‘vote buying’ is very prominent. Then, those who will win

through this illegal activity will be the initiator of corruption within the period of their

tenure. Little did they know that the more they continue doing this, the more they

deprive themselves from getting respect from the people.

The Master said, “He who rules by moral force is like the pole star, which

remains in its place while all the lesser stars do homage to it.” (II,1)

In the above passage, the ruler was compared to the pole star (North Star) who

rules by moral force which is defined as a positive motivational influence, because

people use this star as a sense of direction. It guides people, while the other stars are

moving around it. Meaning, a leader who rules virtuously guides his people to the right

path and they give him their trust and respect in return.

It is really odd how politicians and government officials manage to do things that

will ruin their reputation. Haven’t they realized that the image they show to their

fellowmen definitely affects the kind of treatment they will receive from them? In line

with this, Confucius said:

…"If the ruler himself is upright, all will go well even though he does not give

orders. But if he himself is not upright, even though he gives orders, they will not

be obeyed." (XIII,6)

This passage suggests that a leader must possess decency and honesty so that

he will be followed by his fellowmen, otherwise all his rules and commands will be taken

for granted.

Moreover, an ideal leader is someone who is dignified in such a way that he

acquires his rank and riches fairly and just. He does what is right, and not what is easy.

Thus, sincerity to fortify the whole community will be extremely visible to him. The true

happiness is not about ‘what’ you achieve, but ‘how’ you achieve it, while the true

fulfillment is how you would make sense out of it. Indeed, a man with dignity is a man

who is worthy of honor and respect. In the Analects, it was stated that:

… “He who seeks only coarse food to eat, water to drink, and bent arm for pillow,

will without looking for it find happiness to boot. Any thought accepting wealth

and rank by means that I know to be wrong is as remote from me as the clouds

that float above.” (VII, 15)

However, it is true to say that no one could be as transparent as a glass. One

may show good deeds, but we are never sure about their thoughts and motives. We

cannot easily determine who has a clear conscience. People are easily deceived that is

why it is inevitable that wrong politicians will be elected in the position. From the

Analects it was stated: …“Let there be no evil in your thoughts” (II,2), for this will also

make your actions upright, decent, and just.

In conclusion, the political philosophy of Confucius rooted by his own belief that a

ruler must be self-disciplined. He should always come before his fellows and treat them

with love and sincerity because “If they are led by virtue, and uniformity sought among

them through the practice of ritual propriety, they will possess a sense of shame and

come to you of their own accord” (Analects, 2.3). A ruler, a leader, a president, a

chieftain, a manager, a director, or whatever they were called should rule by moral force

for ideal governance relies in it.

Reference

Confucius. The Analects. Tapestry: Readings on S-Eng 15 of Afro-Asian Literature