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Analects 2:19

Duke Ai said, “What should be done to make the people submit?”

Confucius said, “Advance the upright and set aside the crooked, and the people will submit. Advance the crooked and set aside the upright, and the people will not submit.”


The Duke Ai asked, saying, “What should be done in order to secure the submission of the people?”

Confucius replied, “Advance the upright and set aside the crooked, then the people will submit. Advance the crooked and set aside the upright, then the people will not submit.” L

Commentary

Mark and distinguish the upright, dutiful, good, able, and worthy from those who are not. Advance the former and dismiss the latter, in order induce the latter to follow the example of the former.

Stimulate the people with rewards, and warn them with punishments.

Give the vulgar training and time for reformation—but be severe with those who are incorrigible.