This is to be of use in the administration of the empire, but not to be able to administer the empire. This is to be a sciolist, a man of narrow views.
Ceremonies and laws were indeed cultivated by the ancients; but they were employed in the service of the rulers by the ruled. Rulers did not employ them as a means of nourishing the ruled.
From the beginning of this chapter, the argument has been eminently unsatisfactory.
Of old, Shun asked Yao, saying, "How does your Majesty employ your faculties?"
"I am not arrogant towards the defenceless," replied Yao. "I do not neglect the poor. I grieve for those who die. I pity the orphan. I sympathise with the widow. Beyond this, nothing."
"Good indeed!" cried Shun, "but yet not great."
"How so?" inquired Yao.
"Be passive," said Shun, "like the virtue of God. The sun and moon shine; the four seasons revolve; day and night alternate; clouds come and rain falls."
"Alas!" cried Yao, "what a muddle I have been making. You are in accord with God; I am in accord with man."