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The administration of government lies in getting proper…

“The administration of government lies in getting proper men. Such men are to be got by means of the ruler's own character. That character is to be cultivated by his treading in the ways of duty. And the treading those ways of duty is to be cultivated by the cherishing of benevolence.” quote by Confucius
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“The administration of government lies in getting proper men. Such men are to be got by means of the ruler's own character. That character is to be cultivated by his treading in the ways of duty. And the treading those ways of duty is to be cultivated by the cherishing of benevolence.”

Confucius

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Good governance depends on selecting virtuous leaders, whose character is shaped by duty and benevolence.

In simple terms: Leadership requires virtue and duty.

Key Takeaway

Cultivate duty and benevolence in leaders.

Themes

governance leadership virtue duty benevolence

Mood

reflective instructive

Type

ethical philosophical

When to use this quote

  • political theory
  • education
  • public administration

Key Concepts

character development ethical leadership

Questions to Reflect On

  • What practices develop benevolent leadership?
  • How to assess a leader’s character?
A Different Perspective

Assumes virtuous leaders can be reliably identified.

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