Analects · Chapter
V explained
Confucius outlines the principles of good governance for a country of a thousand chariots, emphasizing reverent attention to business, sincerity, economy, love for men, and employing the people at proper seasons.
What happens
Confucius outlines the principles of good governance for a country of a thousand chariots, emphasizing reverent attention to business, sincerity, economy, love for men, and employing the people at proper seasons.
Free preview opens on this chapter — companions, themes, and character notes appear beside the text.
Narrative arc
Story tension across the book.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
The emotional peak occurs when Confucius directly confronts Yû with a list of six virtues—benevolence, knowled…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingThemes in this chapter
- Virtuous Governance
Confucius emphasizes the importance of reverent attention, sincerity, economy, and love for men in ruling a state.
Characters to notice
- Confucius
The Master delivers a teaching on the governance of a country.
Key passages
“To rule a country of a thousand chariots, there must be reverent attention to business, and sincerity; economy in expenditure, and love for men; and the employment of the people at the proper seasons.”
To govern a large state, one must be diligent and sincere in affairs, frugal in spending, caring toward the people, and only call upon them for labor at appropriate times.
This passage outlines the core duties of a ruler according to Confucius.
