The Most Venerable Book (Shang Shu)

by Confucius

  ‘Where virtue is, order is there too.

  Where virtue isn’t – chaos.

  Follow the design of order and all will go well.

  Ignore it and it will end in disaster.

  A wise ruler is constantly thoughtful in what he follows.

  ‘The First King was diligent in cultivating virtue and as a result was worthy to be the agent of the Supreme Emperor. Now that you’re king, focus your attention on this model.

  ‘Remember that to rise,

  you have to start at the bottom.

  To travel a long way

  you have to start with your first step.

  Never look down on ordinary people;

  they always have their load to bear.

  Never be complacent on your throne;

  there is always danger.

  ‘Start as you mean to continue: so when someone advises you to do something that goes against your own instinct, examine it to see if he is right. When someone agrees with you, examine it to see if they are in fact mistaken.

  ‘This is how it is.

  Without trying, nothing worthwhile can be achieved.

  Without awareness, nothing can be achieved either!

  If a straightforward man is honourable

  then everything will be in harmony throughout the land.

  But if a ruler ignores these words of wisdom

  then there will be confusion.

  A true minister doesn’t hang on to his position, either,

  once the work is done.

  Follow this counsel, and your country will be content.’

  17

  We are both Straightforward Virtuous Men

  When Yi Yin had managed to restore the rule of law, he told the king he wanted to retire. However, first of all he set out his understanding of virtue, saying:

  ‘Heaven is really hard to understand. Its Mandate with a ruler is not a constant one. If the ruler is virtuous and constant, then he will retain his throne. If he is not constant and virtuous, then he will lose everything. The King of Xia was not constant in his virtue. He ignored the spirits and oppressed the people and as a consequence the Heavenly Emperor no longer cared for him. Instead a search was made throughout the land for one upon whom Heaven’s Mandate could be bestowed. Someone who was straightforward and virtuous, and who could rule over all the spirits. Both Tang the Conqueror and I, Prince Yin, are straightforward in our virtue and so, when we touched the heart and mind of Heaven, the love of Heaven rewarded us with a clear mandate and we took charge of everything. As a consequence, we had the power to remove the Xia from their control of the world.

  ‘Do not for a moment think Heaven was especially inclined to favour the Shang. Its favour was given because we are both straightforward virtuous men. Nor was it the case that the Shang sought the support of the ordinary people. It’s simple – the people respect straightforward virtue because when virtue is straightforward it always brings good fortune. However, if virtue is without focus and all over the place, it is inevitable that it will spell disaster. Good or evil, happiness or disaster – none of these comes without there being a cause, and Heaven decides which it is to be based upon virtue.

  ‘Now then, my young king, you are new to this Mandate so you must ensure you have renewed your virtue. From first to last, have this as your only goal, so it simply becomes part of what you do every single day. When you are choosing officials and ministers, make sure they are thoughtful and considerate men. Those who serve those above them must work to ensure that the virtue of those above them is upheld, because this will in turn cause those below them to ensure their well-being in turn. This is not easy, so special attention is required to ensure both harmony and simplicity. There is no supreme rule for virtue – it is simply judged by how good it is. Nor is there anything inevitable about what is good – it simply comes from simplicity. Everyone knows this and therefore they say, “How wonderful are the words of our king. What a heart and mind he has. Because of this we know that he is a worthy heir to the First King because he cares for the lives of all his people.”

  ‘Well, now. If you were to go back seven generations and find that every generation had been virtuous, that would indeed be worthy of praise. Furthermore, to be celebrated as the head of the ten thousand families is a sign of the appreciation of the good order you have created.

  ‘After all, a ruler without people is not a ruler, while a people without a ruler cannot serve. Never show off in order to intimidate others. If your people are unable to live virtuously, then clearly their ruler has been unable to do what is right.’

  18

  King Pan Geng, Part I

  King Pan Geng reigned traditionally from 1401 to 1374 BC and it was under him that the capital was moved to a new site, Yin, hence the change of name for the dynasty.

  Pan Geng had decided to move the capital to Yin, but none of his people wanted to go there with him.

  So he sent out a herald to all the most quarrelsome people he could find and he said, ‘Our king chose this place to settle because he cared for the people who otherwise would have died. But now, in this place, we are no longer able to help each other, which is why I asked the diviners for a divination. The reply has come and it says that this new place is a good place to settle. Remember how in the past, whenever there was an important decision to be made, the First King respectfully followed the commands of Heaven. What he took care to avoid was following his own inclinations and nor did he decide to rather stay in just one place. This can be seen by the fact that the capital has moved five times.

  ‘Now, if we do not follow this example from ancient times, who knows, maybe Heaven will revoke its Mandate to us because we can’t even follow such a clear example from the First King. Let’s be like a tree that has been cut down and yet from its stump come vigorous new shoots. In the same way, Heaven will continue to place its trust with us for a new life in this new place. As a result, the glory of the First King’s era will return and peace will come to the land once more.’

  In deciding to teach the people, King Pan Geng started with the officials, by reminding them of what was expected of them.

  ‘Do not let any of you ignore the poor people,’ he said. ‘It is the will of the king that everyone should be welcome here.’

  What the king then went on to say basically was that: ‘Every one of you – every one of the vast multitude – is welcome and I myself will be your guide. Forget all the pettiness and stop being lazy. In the ancient past our First King only offered positions of authority to those from aristocratic families. The king made the decisions and no one tried to hide them. As a result, the king trusted them and so there was no need for any double-dealing. This in turn led to a transformation amongst the people.

  But now, you are all kicking up a great fuss, making false and pointless claims, and I honestly have no idea what you are all going on about. It is not that I have given up on virtue, but you don’t give me any respect. It’s as if you cannot see me for who I really am, a straightforward man – as if you are looking at me by the faint light of an open fire. I fear that, through my lack of experience, I am to blame for this. After all, a fishing net only works if all the many strands are in place and holding together. Likewise, a farmer who puts time and trouble into managing his fields will get a good harvest as a result. If you can banish selfishness, then you will help the people and indeed your own family and friends as well. If so, then you could claim to be virtuous. Instead, I fear you’re like a lazy farmer who never bothers with hard work, so has a poor harvest – and you seem not to be troubled by problems from afar or even close at hand. Instead of speaking kindly to the heads of the families, you gossip and act immorally, which only brings disaster upon you. What an example of evil you officials have become to the people, and now you will reap the consequences, even as you try to reform.

  ‘And what about the poor? They try to tell you what is wrong but you only tell them lies in reply. To me you act so very differently because yo
u know I can decide whether your life will be long or short. Why don’t you tell me the truth instead of stirring things up with your falsehoods, alarming the people and causing nothing but distress? Don’t you know that once a fire has been started in the fields it cannot be put out? I am not going to take responsibility for all this.

  ‘Chi Ren has said, “In the case of men we want those from old families. In the case of music we want new instruments.”

  ‘In the ancient past our First King shared both the delights and labours of ruling with your predecessors and forebears. This is why I cannot act unjustly. Their efforts have been noted down the centuries and so I cannot fail to honour your efforts. When I offer the sacrifices to the First King, your ancestors alongside him are honoured as well. They bring both blessings and disasters – but I cannot reward virtue when it is not there.

  ‘Let everyone do what they can and do their utmost to fulfil these plans, if you will listen to me, a straightforward man. With me, what you see is what there is.

  ‘Those who are criminals will die. Those who are good will be honoured for their virtue. The country will only prosper if you all contribute. So any failure will lie with me, the straightforward man, and that will be because I have neglected to punish. I am telling you all this so that from now on you will focus on your duties. You must do what is expected of you and stop slandering each other.

  ‘Because if you don’t, you will be punished. And then it will be too late to repent.’

  19

  King Pan Geng, Part II

  Pan Geng rose up and with his people crossed the River He, having decided to relocate them. To encourage them to follow him, he decided to speak to them, hoping that they would agree to go with him. They came, having been warned not to cause trouble in the Royal Palace. Addressing them, he said, ‘Pay attention to what I say because I am going to be as clear as possible. Do not fail to listen to what I have decided.

  ‘Indeed,’ the king said. ‘Long ago there was mutual respect and deep affection between my ancestors and the people, because my ancestors cared deeply for the people. This meant that when troubles came upon them from Heaven, they were able to survive. However, when such troubles came, our kings did not just sit around trying to work out what to do. They were worried about the people, so they took firm action. So how come you have all forgotten this?

  ‘I have commanded you to move because I want everything to go well for you all. I am not punishing you for some offence. I have commanded you to move to the new capital simply because I am concerned with your well-being and because this will help you live more fully. This move will also help to stabilize the State. But you, you don’t seem to care about the things that afflict my heart and mind. Nor have you told me of what you are worried about, because if such concerns were sincere and honourable they might well influence me – because I am after all a straightforward man. The result of all this is that you end up worried and stressed.

  ‘Think of this situation like a boat. Unless you’re careful about when you sail, you could end up losing the whole cargo. Currently we are not in agreement and therefore could end up drifting into disaster. What is even worse is that you won’t honestly face this, and you have become so agitated that I cannot see how you ever will! Because you don’t plan for the future – or, to be honest, even for what is about to happen – you simply build up your levels of anxiety and egg each other on to greater levels of stress. You just live for the present with no thought for the future. Living like this, you cannot just hope that help will come in the nick of time from above.

  ‘It is my intention that you should come to a common mind about this, putting aside evil thoughts that afflict you in both body and mind. I believe that by obeying the Mandate that comes from Heaven, life will be better. Am I acting like a dictator, exerting my influence over you? I only do this because it will be good for you in the long run. Reflecting upon how my illustrious ancestors cared for your ancestors, I feel a responsibility to act in a similar way towards you.

  ‘If instead of governing in such a manner I was instead to hang around here, then the High Ruler would pour disasters and woes down on my head, asking, “Why are you oppressing the people?” If you, the mass of the people, do not seek to live life fully, and trust me with one heart and mind in this action, me, a straightforward man, then our First Ancestors will pour disasters upon you. They will say, “Why do you not do as your ancestors wish, but instead act without virtue?” When punishment comes from above upon you, you will not be able to escape.

  ‘Long ago, my Noble Ancestors worked to take care of your ancestors and fathers. This is what I am trying to do, but you insist on thinking badly of me. My Noble Ancestors cared for your ancestors and fathers, and if you are not careful, your ancestors and fathers will reject you now and won’t even attempt to save you from sudden death.

  ‘Now I have here my ministers who share responsibility with me. But they don’t care for anything except their own fortunes. I can tell you that their ancestors and fathers are appalled and have complained to the High Ruler, saying, “Punish these, our descendants, severely.” The High Ruler is left in no doubt that such a punishment should be sent down upon them.

  ‘Indeed, you need to understand clearly that I will not be diverted from my plans. Do not be so foolish as to stand in the way of this Great Plan. Instead, let us all now be united. Agree to be part of my plans and then you will find that your hearts and minds can be faithful to me. However, if anyone continues to be stubborn or to rebel, disregarding my orders without fear – indeed using every opportunity to plan treason – then I will cut off their noses. I will utterly destroy them. I will wipe out their lineage and none will be allowed into the new city.

  ‘So, instead: go! Carry on living properly and I will transfer you to the new place and your families will live there for ever more.’

  20

  King Pan Geng, Part III

  Pan Geng successfully completed the move.

  He gave the people their places to live and the roles they were to fulfil and then spoke to reassure them.

  ‘Do not be petty minded or lazy, but instead work hard and ensure that you create a great destiny in this place. I have shown you how every part of me – from my heart to my very entrails – longs for this. So now you know my plans. I will no longer treat anyone as if they were a criminal, just so long as you put aside all anger and do not create groups in opposition to me. For I am a straightforward man.

  ‘Long, long ago my noble ancestor the King wanted to be even more virtuous than his forebears. He moved the people to The Hill, away from the danger of the Floods and likewise away from the evils and dangers surrounding the people. As a result of this virtuous act, he brought prosperity to all the people.

  ‘Once again my people are vulnerable and the floods have left you with no safe place to live. So let me ask you this. Why do you think you are being uprooted, all my people, and moved? The Supreme Ruler wishes to restore again the virtue of our High Ancestor and bring once again prosperity to our House.

  ‘Obeying the Mandate we have received, my advisors and I have chosen this place as our new, everlasting settlement. Because I am just a young man, I obviously did not want to go against such a plan, but I also sought good advice through divination. This is why this plan is now even greater.

  ‘Indeed, my princes and officials, I wish you could share this vision and enthusiasm with me. I watch over you and seek to guide you, wanting nothing but the best for my people. Therefore I will not appoint people who think it is clever to be greedy. No, I will appoint those who will care deeply for the well-being of all and whose actions are shaped by compassion for all, and that way I’ll make sure this settlement succeeds.

  ‘So, you know where I stand on all this. Don’t fail me. Don’t seek wealth and treasures. Instead, look for the well-being of the people. By showing your virtue, you will ensure we are all of one heart and one mind.’

  21

  The Mandate of Yu
e, Part I

  We skip over two reigns to come to Wu Ding, who reigned from 1324 to 1264 BC. Yue here is later referred to as Fu.

  The king rightly mourned for the prescribed period of three years. However, when this time had passed, he still did not speak. His statesmen were very worried by this and remonstrated with him.

  ‘Indeed,’ they said. ‘A wise man is said to be illustrious and an illustrious man is an inspiration for others. The Son of Heaven of course rules alone over the vast territories and the ranks of officials who all respect his authority. However, the will of the king is only known if he speaks. If he says nothing, the statesmen have no idea what to do next.’

  In response, the king wrote the following:

  ‘I do not speak because although I am the ruler of the Four Quarters I do not feel virtuous enough to tackle the tasks ahead. I must tell you that while I was in a state of grace, meditating on the proper way ahead, I had a dream sent from on high. I saw that I had been bestowed a good advisor who would speak for me.’

  The king then described the person he had seen in his dream and had a portrait made of him, which was sent throughout the land. As a result, it was found that only a man called Yue, then living in the wilderness of Fu Yan, fitted the description.

  As a result, the king appointed him as his Prime Minister and as his constant advisor.

  He commanded him:

  ‘Every morning, every evening

  tell me what you think so I can act virtuously.

  If I’m like hard metal

  then you will be my grindstone