Notable Quotable: Confucius On The Superior Leader

Unsurprisingly, many American voters including Republicans are alarmed, stunned, and fearful of the draconian, unconstitutional steps the new administration is taking under the guise of making America great again.

Meanwhile, Republican congressional leaders and senators are being flooded by angry phone calls from their constituents demanding action. 

But what can these elected men and women do? Are they not hamstrung by a president who demands their loyalty after getting them elected? Have they not witnessed his wrath upon those few Republicans who followed the rule of law against his wishes?

What would Confucius, the Chinese philosopher who lived over 2500 years ago, say to our troubled leaders?

Here are five quotes they might consider while laying awake trying to sleep at night.

Confucius say:

1. “If your plan is for one year, plant rice. If your plan is for ten years, plant trees. If your plan is for 100 years, educate children.”

Based on this quote, Confucius would admonish the President for his decision to get rid of the Department of Education and leave a child's future in the hands of religious zealots. 

2.  “When wealth is centralized, the people are dispersed. When wealth is distributed the people are brought together.”

This quote indicates Confucius knew even back during his day that to maintain unity and peace, a nation’s wealth needs to be shared widely rather than hoarded by the few . 

Today, he would advise congressional leaders of both parties to stop grifting the public purse—a practice that benefits the wealthy donors who fund their elections. He would warn them to expect rebellion otherwise.

3. “The superior man understands what is right. The inferior man understands what will sell.”

Confucius believed that those who held power must lead by virtue. His philosophy rested on the tenets of righteousness, sincerity, kindness, and governmental morality. He would scorn anything less from today’s elected and appointed leaders.

4. “A politician is one who shakes your hand before elections and your confidence after.”

This points to what many Americans are feeling in this moment. But to the citizens of this country who feel betrayed, he would also wisely say:

5. “The general of a large army may be defeated, but no one can defeat the determined mind of a peasant.”