Therefore, wise rulers who would employ their subjects in great endeavours, should first establish harmony among them.
Lend not a ready ear to human counsellors, but lay the matter before the altar; seek inside the turtle,[19] and consider well the time and season. Then, if all be well, commit ourselves to the undertaking.
If the people know that their lord is careful of their lives, and laments their death beyond all else; then, in the time of danger, the soldiers advance, and, advancing, find glory in death; and in survival after retreat, dishonour.
The Master said:—
The Way must follow the only true path: righteousness lies at the root of achievement and merit.
The object of stratagem is to avoid loss and gain advantage.
The object of government is to guard enterprise and to preserve the state.
If conduct depart from the Way, and the undertaking accord not with righteousness, then disaster befalls the mighty.
Therefore, wise men maintain order by keeping in the Way, and governing with righteousness; they move with discretion, and with benevolence they make the people amenable.
If these four virtues be practised, there is prosperity; if they be neglected, there is decay.