The Sovereign’s Detachment: To Possess All, Yet to Claim Nothing

By / / detachment, governance, power, public-mindedness, sage-king, Shun, Tai Bo VIII, Tai Bo VIII Chapter 18, The Analects, Yu
Confucius praised the majestic manner of ancient sage-kings Shun and Yu, who held the empire as if it meant nothing to them personally.

How majestic was the manner in which Shun and Yu held possession of the empire, as if it were nothing to them!

巍巍乎！舜禹之有天下也，而不与焉。

Source: The Analects, Tai Bo VIII, Chapter 18

Author: Confucius

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