The Architect of Civilization: Confucius on Choosing the Foundations of a State

 Confucius outlined his vision: “Follow the Xia calendar, use the Yin carriage, wear the Zhou cap, adopt the Shao music. Ban licentious songs and keep away flatterers.”

Follow the seasons of Xia. Ride in the state carriage of Yin. Wear the ceremonial cap of Zhou. Let the music be the Shao with its pantomimes. Banish the songs of Zheng, and keep far from specious talkers. The songs of Zheng are licentious; specious talkers are dangerous.

行夏之时,乘殷之辂,服周之冕,乐则韶舞。放郑声,远佞人。郑声淫,佞人殆。

Source: The Analects, Wei Ling Gong XV, Chapter 11

Author: Confucius

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