Chinese Statecraft Maxims
LY 13:9
The Conditions of Moral Susceptibility
(c0322)

The Master went to Wei. Ran You acted as his equerry. The Master said of the people of Wei, How numerous they are! Ran You said, Once they are numerous, what more should be sought? He said, Enrich them. Ran You said, Once they are rich, what more should be sought? He said, Teach them.

The populace must exist, and above the subsistence level, before they are available to any higher awareness or aspiration.

This comes from the period when the lower populace were being in some degree incorporated into the new bureaucratic state. This comment spells out the conditions for success in making that transition. The final stage in the transition implies the developing of the moral susceptibility which is relied on as an essential component of the theory of government by virtue. But that stage is not reached before more basic needs have been securely met.

 

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