管子 — Volume 02 : Chapters 6-10   By: Zhong Guan (-645 BC)

In "管子 — Volume 02 : Chapters 6-10" by Zhong Guan, the ancient Chinese philosophy of governance and leadership is explored through a series of dialogues attributed to the legendary thinker, Guan Zi. The chapters delve into various aspects of ruler-ship, emphasizing the importance of ethical leadership, strategic thinking, and the proper administration of a state.

One of the key themes in this volume is the idea that a ruler must act in accordance with the principles of virtue and morality in order to maintain stability and harmony within his kingdom. Guan Zi emphasizes the importance of benevolence, righteousness, and wisdom in governing effectively, and provides practical advice on how leaders can maintain the respect and loyalty of their subjects.

The chapters also discuss the concept of warfare and statecraft, highlighting the importance of strategy, diplomacy, and military strength in maintaining power and stability. Guan Zi's insights into the art of war and the tactics of leadership are thought-provoking and offer valuable lessons for modern-day leaders and policymakers.

Overall, "管子 — Volume 02 : Chapters 6-10" is a stimulating read for anyone interested in ancient Chinese philosophy, governance, and leadership. Zhong Guan's translation of Guan Zi's texts is clear and concise, making this volume accessible to a wide range of readers. It is a must-read for those seeking to deepen their understanding of classical Chinese thought and its enduring relevance to contemporary issues of governance and leadership.

First Page:

言是而不能立，言非而不能廢；有功而不能賞，有罪而不能誅，若是而能 治民者，未之有也。是必立，非必廢，有功必賞，有罪必誅，若是安治矣 ，未也，是何也？曰：形勢器械未具，猶之不治也。形勢器械具四者備， 治矣。不能治其民，而能彊其兵者，未之有也。能治其民矣，而不明於為 兵之數，猶之不可。不能彊其兵，而能必勝敵國者，未之有也；能彊其兵 ，而不明于勝敵國之理，猶之不勝也。兵不必勝敵國，而能正天下者，未 之有也。兵必勝敵國矣，而不明正天下之分，猶之不可，故曰：治民有器 ，為兵有數，勝敵國有理。正天下有分：則、象、法、化、決塞、心術、 計數，根天地之氣，寒暑之和，水土之性，人民鳥獸草木之生物，雖不甚 多，皆均有焉，而未嘗變也，謂之則。義也、名也、時也、似也、類也、 比也、狀也、謂之象。尺寸也、繩墨也、規矩也、衡石也、斗斛也、角量 也、謂之法。漸也、順也、靡也、久也、服也、習也、謂之化。予奪也、 險易也、利害也、難易也、開閉也、殺生也、謂之決塞。實也、誠也、厚 也、施也、度也、恕也、謂之心�... Continue reading book >>