Once Confucius was walking on the mountains and he came…
“Once Confucius was walking on the mountains and he came across a woman weeping by a grave. He asked the woman what here sorrow was, and she replied, We are a family of hunters. My father was eaten by a tiger. My husband was bitten by a tiger and died. And now my only son! Why don't you move down and live in the valley? Why do you continue to live up here? asked Confucius. And the woman replied, But sir, there are no tax collectors here! Confucius added to his disciples, You see, a bad government is more to be feared than tigers.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
A story illustrating that oppressive governance can be more threatening than natural dangers, urging vigilance against tyrannical rule.
In simple terms: Bad government is scarier than tigers.
Key Takeaway
Beware corrupt authority.
Themes
politics
justice
society
authority
leadership
Mood
reflective
cautionary
Type
advice
philosophical
When to use this quote
- rural communities
- political activism
- policy reform
- community safety
Key Concepts
confucianism
social critique
human nature
Questions to Reflect On
- What forms of authority in your life feel oppressive?
- How can communities protect themselves from bad governance?
A Different Perspective
Even with no tigers, fear persists if leaders are unjust.