Appointing Officials
195. When a loyal and upright minister is assigned important tasks this is evidential of a good government. If such a minister can be brought down because of false charges, this is an early sign of chaos and disorder.
Scroll 15: Han Shu, Vol. 3
196. Whether a government can make critical decisions with inexhaustible wisdom, execute great plans with inexhaustible ideas, unify a hundred schools of thought with untiring persuasions, and maintain an unyielding spirit while learning from ancient or contemporary views—there is no other way to achieve these except to employ virtuous and competent individuals to serve in the government.
Scroll 50: Yuan Zi Zheng Shu
197. Ancient sage-rulers could live in the inner chambers of the imperial palace and were knowledgeable of matters from thousands of miles away; sit on their mattress with hands clasped in ease and were knowledgeable of the state of affairs at the furthest corners of his kingdom, all because they had virtuous and competent men to work for them.
Scroll 28: Wu Zhi, Vol. 2
198. The presence of virtuous officials will transform people into becoming honest and kind. The presence of wicked officials will transform people into becoming evil and mean. When honesty and kindness prevail, there will be peace and prosperity; when evilness and selfishness prevail, the fate of the nation would be at stake.
Scroll 44: Qian Fu Lun
199. A sage-ruler will surely recognize the contributions of virtuous individuals and appoint them to undertake important tasks so that they can serve him wholeheartedly and wisely and remonstrate with him without the fear of being persecuted.
Scroll 39: Lü Shi Chun Qiu
200. An inefficient government may not only be due to treacherous ministers but also due to a ruler’s inability to use the right people to do the right tasks. For instance, Baili Xi appeared foolish when he served in the state of Yu but performed brilliantly when he served in the state of Qin. Another example was Yu Rang who led a contemptible life when he served in the household of nobleman Zhong Hang, but showed high moral integrity when he served the nobleman Zhi Bo. These are obvious examples attested by the ancients.
Scroll 25: Wei Zhi, Vol. 1
201. A wise ruler will appoint competent and virtuous people to help him accomplish great missions. An unwise leader will appoint people with similar personalities and preferences as himself.
Scroll 41: Huai Nan Zi
202. A wise ruler is consistent when it comes to appointing the right candidates to serve in the government, and the recruitment process that he employs is thorough and extensive. By being consistent he prevents treacherous people from sowing discords; and when the recruitment process is extensive the channels for recruiting virtuous candidates are never blocked. If appointments are done in an inconsistent manner, false charges will arise and disloyalty will follow. If the recruitment process is not extensive, all channels will be blocked and virtuous candidates will be neglected.
Scroll 49: Fu Zi
203. Do not elect a candidate based solely on his popularity. Popularity is like the picture of a biscuit sketched on the ground that cannot be eaten.
Scroll 26: Wei Zhi, Vol. 2
204. Thus, before a builder can commence construction he must first select good craftsmen and then prepare the materials needed. Likewise, a ruler must first select good ministers before he can run the government well and deliver beneficial results to the people.
Scroll 49: Fu Zi
205. To appease people or countries from afar and bring harmony to those close at hand, nothing can be more important than winning the hearts of the people. In order to achieve this nothing can be more pressing than hiring virtuous people to serve in the government. To ensure that the ability of the virtuous and able is properly tapped, a proficiency assessment and dismissal system must be established.
Scroll 23: Hou Han Shu, Vol. 3
206. The reasons that lead to stability or chaos, honor or disgrace, begin with the ministers trusted and empowered by the ruler. If the ministers proved to be virtuous, everyone should have full confidence in them and trust them without the slightest doubts.
Scroll 15: Han Shu, Vol. 3
207. In ancient times, only the capable and virtuous were permitted to preside over criminal and penal matters, and so cases of unjust prosecution could be avoided. The blessings of a peaceful and prosperous nation are, in fact, the result of this key factor.
Scroll 27: Wu Zhi, Vol. 1
208. A man who cannot distinguish a pure tone from an overtone should not be allowed to tune a musical instrument. A man who does not know how to eradicate the root cause of unrests should not be allowed to make laws and regulations.
Scroll 41: Huai Nan Zi
209. A man with great talent and bold vision should not be ordered to act quickly and cleverly. A man of minor intelligence should not be appointed to undertake matters of great importance.
Scroll 41: Huai Nan Zi