When the head of state of family thinks first of gouging…
““When the head of state of family thinks first of gouging out an income, he must perforce do it through small men; and even if they are clever at their job, if one employ such inferior characters in state and family business the tilled fields will go rack swamp and ruin and edged calamities will mount up to the full… This is the meaning of: A state does not profit by profits - Pound's translation of Confucius””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
It warns that exploiting people for profit harms the state and family, leading to ruin and disaster.
In simple terms: Exploiting people for profit harms everyone.
Key Takeaway
Avoid exploiting others for profit.
Themes
ethics
politics
economics
leadership
Mood
cautious
critical
Type
philosophical
political
When to use this quote
- government policy
- family business
- taxation
- resource management
Key Concepts
confucianism
social responsibility
corruption
Questions to Reflect On
- How does profit motive affect societal health?
- What safeguards prevent exploitation?
A Different Perspective
It may overlook the role of systemic inequality in causing exploitation.