The Master’s Plan: From a Populous State, to a Prosperous One, to a Cultivated One

Confucius and Zan You on governance: “The people are numerous. … Enrich them. … Teach them.”

When the Master went to Wei, Zan You acted as driver of his carriage. The Master observed, “How numerous are the people!” You said, “Since they are thus numerous, what more shall be done for them?” “Enrich them,” was the reply. “And when they have been enriched, what more shall be done?” The Master said, “Teach them.”

子适卫,冉有仆。子曰:“庶矣哉!”冉有曰:“既庶矣。又何加焉?”曰:“富之。”曰:“既富矣,又何加焉?”曰:“教之。”

Source: The Analects, Zi Lu XIII, Chapter 9

Author: Confucius (in dialogue with Zan You)

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