Wen Tao: The Six Guardians

King Wen asked Tai Gong:"Why do rulers who govern states and manage the people lose their nations and their subjects?" Tai Gong replied:"It is due to negligence in selecting talent. A ruler must uphold the Six Guardians and safeguard the Three Treasures." King Wen asked:"What are the Six Guardians?" Tai Gong answered:"First, benevolence; second, righteousness; third, loyalty; fourth, trustworthiness; fifth, courage; sixth, wisdom. These are the Six Guardians." King Wen asked:"How can one discern those who embody these Six Guardians?" Tai Gong said:"Enrich him to test whether he resists excess; elevate him to test whether he resists arrogance; burden him with responsibility to test his resolve; assign him tasks to test his honesty; place him in danger to test his fearlessness; confront him with crises to test his adaptability. One who remains modest amid wealth practices benevolence. One who stays humble in high position embodies righteousness. One who fulfills heavy duties unwaveringly shows loyalty. One who handles affairs without deceit demonstrates......