Analects 2.19: 為政 (Wei Zheng)
Confucius and his disciples · Classical Chinese original · new English translation and commentary by Text Atlas
Overview
Book 2 connects government with the character and practices of those who govern. The pole-star image and the contrast between punishment and ritual give two ways of thinking about how people respond to authority. Four answers about filial devotion move through ritual, parental concern, reverence, and demeanor. Sayings on learning then test how knowledge appears in thought, conduct, and honest acknowledgment of limits. The closing exchanges return to public authority, trustworthiness, inherited ritual, and the courage to act on what is right. The collection repeatedly asks what gives outward action its substance.
Analects 2.19
哀公聞曰、何為則民服。孔子對曰、舉直錯諸枉、則民服、舉枉錯諸直、則民不服。
Duke Ai asked, “What should I do to make the people obey?” Confucius replied, “Promote the upright and place them above the crooked, and the people will obey. Promote the crooked and place them above the upright, and the people will not obey.”
Commentary
source variant The duke’s question The Chinese prints 哀公聞曰, with 聞, “hear.” The English follows the asking sense of 問 instead. The question that follows and 孔子對曰, “Confucius replied,” support that reading; Legge likewise presents Duke Ai as asking. The title 公 identifies the questioner as a duke.
Basis: translation-comparison
Confidence: medium
translation Where the upright are placed 舉 is raising or promoting. The translation takes 錯諸枉 as placing the upright over the crooked; Legge instead makes the second step setting the crooked aside. Both readings make the choice of people decisive for public obedience. The present English keeps the relation between the two groups within the act of appointment.
Basis: translation-comparison
Confidence: medium