The Mandate of Virtue, Not Force: A Lesson from Ancient Sovereigns

Nan Gong Kuo said: “The mighty perished; the benevolent toilers gained the kingdom.”

Yi was skillful at archery, and Ao could move a boat along upon the land, but neither of them died a natural death. Yu and Ji personally wrought at the toils of husbandry, and they became possessors of the kingdom.

羿善射,奡荡舟,俱不得其死然;禹稷躬稼,而有天下。

Source: The Analects, Xian Wen XIV, Chapter 5

Author: Nan Gong Kuo

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