Long Tao: Xuan Jiang (Selecting Generals)

King Wu asked Tai Gong:
“When a ruler raises an army, he must select individuals of both wisdom and courage to serve as generals. How can one discern the true measure of their virtue and ability?”

Tai Gong replied:
“There are fifteen ways a scholar’s outward appearance may contradict their inner nature:

1. Some appear virtuous yet harbor incompetence;

2. Some seem kind yet conceal thievery;

3. Some feign humility but nurture arrogance;

4. Some act modest yet lack sincerity;

5. Some mimic capability but possess no true skill;

6. Some project honesty but are inwardly deceitful;

7. Some display strategic flair but falter in decisiveness;

8. Some seem resolute but achieve nothing;

9. Some appear trustworthy but break promises;

10. Some waver outwardly yet remain loyal;

11. Some speak harshly but deliver results;

12. Some act boldly but cower inwardly;

13. Some seem stern yet are approachable;

14. Some appear severe but nurture gentleness;

15. Some look frail and unremarkable yet accomplish every mission.

Those despised by the common crowd are often treasured by sages. Ordinary minds cannot fathom this—only those with profound insight grasp its truth. Such is the paradox of human appearance and essence.”

King Wu asked:
“How can one truly discern their nature?”

Tai Gong said:
“Apply eight methods:

1. Test Clarity: Pose questions to gauge their understanding.

2. Assess Adaptability: Cross-examine to reveal their resourcefulness.

3. Verify Loyalty: Use spies to observe their integrity.

4. Probe Honesty: Ask known truths to detect concealment.

5. Evaluate Integrity: Entrust them with wealth to test greed.

6. Gauge Discipline: Tempt them with beauty to measure restraint.

7. Measure Courage: Confront them with peril to witness resolve.

8. Observe Character: Make them drunk to expose their true self.

After applying these eight tests, the worthy and unworthy will stand clearly apart.”