How we change what others think, feel, believe and do

Affairs of State

Disciplines > Warfare > The Six Secret Teachings > 1.3 Affairs of State

Teaching set  | Observed lessons | Discussion | See also

Teaching set

Civil Secret Teachings 1.3 (3)

Observed lessons

• All the ruler needs to do is to love the people as their close family. Everything else follows.
• Help them. Do not harm them. Give them comfort, jobs, meaning, happiness.
• Be more equal. Do not increase the gap between you and your people.
• Impose rewards, punishments and taxes as if they were for yourself.

Discussion

Love is a much misunderstood thing. Many see it through the eyes of desire, as romantic/sexual or parental control. A better view is one of deep care for another person, with the focus of attention in the other rather than yourself.

Unconditional love is hard. Human nature seems to make us want to punish, to avenge the slights we perceive. To love people, complete with their imperfections and without wanting things in return, is something that few achieve. And yet, if you can find it, it is a source of great joy.

Love, trust and respect are highly reciprocal. To get them, you must give them.

This is a lesson that many business leaders should learn.

See also

Love

Sawyer, R.D. (1993). The Seven Military Classics of Ancient China, Basic Books