Treatise on Military Preparation, Volume Seven

Governance that relies on many loyal ministers is industrious original: "勞" (lao); implying that while loyal officials are good, a state requiring constant intervention is burdensome compared to one that runs harmoniously on its own. Governance that results in many resentful people the text here omits "leads to ruin," which is found in other editions is doomed. Therefore it is said: those who strive to expand their territory will find it becomes a wasteland; those who strive to expand their Virtue will become strong.

Those who are able to maintain what they already possess will find security. Those who covet what others possess will meet with destruction. A governance of destruction and ruin causes suffering that lasts for generations.

When actions and constructions exceed proper limits, they are destined for failure, even if they appear successful at first. To neglect one's own cultivation while attempting to teach others is contrary to the natural order. To correct one's own character and thereby transform others is accordant with the natural order. Being contrary is an invitation to chaos; being accordant is the essential key to stable governance.

The Way, Virtue, Benevolence, Righteousness, and Ritual—these five are parts of a single whole.

• The Way dao (道) is that which all people must tread.
• Virtue de (德) is that which all people seek to attain.
• Benevolence ren (仁) is that which all people feel close to.
• Righteousness yi (義) is that which is appropriate for all people.
• Ritual li (禮) is that which all people embody.

One cannot be without any of these five. Therefore:

• Rising early and sleeping late to fulfill one's duties is the regulation of Ritual.
• Punishing rebels and redressing wrongs is the decision of Righteousness.
• A heart of compassion and empathy is the expression of Benevolence.
• Attaining mastery over oneself to then reach others is the path of Virtue.
• Ensuring all people are treated fairly so they do not lose their place in the world is the transformation of the Way.

That which issues from the ruler to the subjects is called a Command original: "命" (ming). To bestow...