The enlightened ruler governs his ministers not by their worthiness but by the system of law. He does not let his ministers rely on their virtues. He relies on methods, and methods alone.
In dealing with those close to him, the ruler must be especially careful. Everyone around a ruler speaks with a purpose. No minister says what he truly thinks. The ruler who understands this governs well. The ruler who trusts words is lost.
When the wise ruler governs his people, he relies not on their doing him good, but on making it impossible for them to do wrong.
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