Wen Tao: The Governance of State Affairs

King Wen asked Tai Gong:"I wish to understand the fundamental principles of governing a state. How can we ensure that the sovereign is revered and the people live in peace?" Tai Gong replied:"Simply love the people." King Wen asked:"How should one love the people?" Tai Gong answered:"Benefit them without harming them, ensure their success without undermining their efforts, protect their lives without unjust punishment, grant them prosperity without exploitation, bring them joy without inflicting suffering, and inspire their contentment without provoking resentment." King Wen said:"Please elaborate on these principles." Tai Gong explained:"To ensure the people do not lose their livelihoods is to benefit them. To avoid disrupting agricultural seasons is to ensure their success. To reduce penalties is to protect their lives. To levy light taxes is to grant them prosperity. To minimize the construction of palaces and towers is to bring them joy. To have officials who govern with integrity and avoid extortion is to inspire their contentment. Conversely, depriving the......