A Model of Governance: The Four-Step Process of Perfecting a State Document

Confucius described the four-step process of drafting, discussing, polishing, and refining a state document in Zheng.

In preparing the governmental notifications, Pi Shen first made the rough draft; Shi Shu examined and discussed its contents; Zi Yu, the manager of foreign intercourse, then polished the style; and, finally, Zi Chan of Dong Li gave it the proper elegance and finish.

为命:裨谌草创之,世叔讨论之,行人子羽修饰之,东里子产润色之。

Source: The Analects, Xian Wen XIV, Chapter 8

Author: Confucius

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