The Mandate of Office: The Ancient Rule of “Serve If You Can, Resign If You Cannot”

By Zheng / June 15, 2026 / capability, Ji Shi XVI, official duty, resignation, The Analects, Zhou Ren

The ancient saying goes: “Assume office if you can contribute; resign if you cannot.”

If you can contribute, serve; if you cannot, step down.

陈力就列，不能者止。

Source: The Analects, Ji Shi XVI, Chapter 1 (Words of Zhou Ren)

Author: Zhou Ren (as cited by Confucius)

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