Be Sincere and Trustworthy
123. Provide equal opportunities for worthy people to join the government and uphold fairness and principles in governmental administration. In this way, worthy people will naturally be keen to join the government. With utmost sincerity, heaven and earth will be moved, let alone human.
Scroll 49: Fu Zi
124. If a man in high position could treat his subordinates sincerely and earn their trust, trustworthy persons will be keen to serve him while insincere people will feel regretful and change to respect him instead.
Scroll 49: Fu Zi
125. The trust placed by the people on their government is the most valuable asset of any country. Confucius said: “Since the dawn of time, death is inevitable to everyone; but if the people have lost faith in their rulers, there will be no peace in the country.”
Scroll 25: Wei Zhi, Vol. 1
126. The manner a ruler delegates duties to his officials can be likened to the body entrusting jobs to its hands; and the way the officials serve their ruler can be likened to the hands that belong to the body—both sharing joy in times of comfort, and sharing sorrow in times of suffering. When the ruler and his officials work together to cope with administrative issues, the latter will naturally work hard and share delightful moments with him. Why is this so? This is due to the unwavering mutual trust binding them.
Scroll 48: Dian Yu
127. Zizhang asked his teacher how a man should conduct himself. Confucius said: “Let his words be honest and truthful, and his actions be earnest and respectful. Such conduct will be appreciated even among the uncivilized tribes. If his words are not honest and truthful, and his actions are not earnest and respectful, will he, with such conduct, be appreciated in his neighborhood?” Zizhang respectfully wrote this advice on the end of his sash to remind himself.
Scroll 9: Lun Yu
128. Confucius said: “If a person is not trustworthy, what other virtues could he possess? How could a bullock cart operate without the crossbar for yoking the oxen, or a small cart without the axle for yoking the horses be made to go?”
Scroll 9: Lun Yu
129. If trustworthiness is not upheld, there are no grounds for righteousness to be established.
Scroll 5: Chun Qiu Zuo Shi Zhuan, Vol. 2