Abstract
‘Government in Confucian teachings’ describes Confucius' teachings on the ideal ruler and the process of government. A good ruler is a superior man (junzi) who must model the morality he would like his subjects to cultivate. Culture and tradition, Confucius suggests, are more effective, stronger tools in shaping the behavior and ideals of the people than legal and penal codes. A good ruler will appoint as officials only those men who share his commitment to Confucian principles and the social and material well-being of the people. Government must be fiscally sensitive, mindful of the heavy burden taxation places on the people.
