clared that the rule of virtue was the safest ways of achieving the good social life, saying” the people need virtue more than either fire or water. “I have seen men die for treading on water and fire, but I have never seen a man die from pursuing the course of virtue.” (16:8) Furthermore the rule of virtue is the easiest means of achieving the proper end of the state, because virtue is closest to man. Rule by virtue is most natural; it is the most universal, for human nature is the same in all peoples, although they may possess different traditions, cultures, and temperament. “It is also the most fundamental, since it rectifies or governs not only external action, but also the mind and the feelings which control al motives and actions.” (16:4)The second requirement of the benevolent government is love of the people. “ In conducting the government of a great nation, Confucius says,” there must be reverent attention to business and the cultivation of honest rule; economy in expenditure and love for men; and taxing the people at proper seasons.” In this statement love of the people is emphasized. Thus love of the people is the highest ideal of government. Confucius gives two rules as to how this love should be carried out, a negative rules and positive rule. The negative rule is: “whosoever things you do not wish that others should do unto you, do not do unto them.” The positive rule “A virtuous ruler wishing to be established himself, seeks also to establish others; and wishing to enlighten himself, seeks also to enlighten others.” To establish mean is to rectify; and to enlighten means to possess a rich, spiritual and material life. “ The ideal of love in government is by far more fundamental than such modern political ideals as liberty, equality, fraternity, and democracy. When these rules are practiced, there will be no class conflict in the nation, no explo...
