Question

In 1.5 Confucius advises rulers to use the people , "only at the proper season ?" What did he mean by this ?

Answer 1

Confucius meant that rulers should lead by virtue and moral example, guiding their subjects to good with proper timing, like wind influencing grass, promoting harmonious leadership.

Step-by-step explanation:

When Confucius advises rulers to use the people, 'only at the proper season,' he is speaking about the importance of timing and appropriateness in governance. The philosophy of Confucius is deeply rooted in the ideas of virtue and moral leadership. According to the Analects, Confucius suggested that leaders govern through their own virtue, thus setting an example for the people, rather than resorting to force or punishment.

Confucius envisioned the relationship between ruler and subjects akin to that between wind and grass: the subjects will naturally follow the moral direction set by the ruler. This analogy further reaffirms his belief that leaders should enact policies and ask of their subjects only when it is the right time, similar to how the wind affects the grass only when it blows.

In historical context, Confucian ideas greatly influenced governance systems, such as during the Han Dynasty, where Confucianism slowly became a point of reference for state matters. The leader was seen as a polar star, demonstrating righteousness and moral aptitude, while the ministers and subjects aligned with his virtuous example, thus maintaining harmony and order within the state.

Answer 2

The meaning of this is that rulers must be careful about how often to use the people. Cruel leaders that used the people to do there bidding often were reviled and lead to rebellion. Aloof leaders never used there people to do public works that helped the state, and made them vulnerable to more powerful kingdoms. Confucius believed that only using the people "In the proper season", which meant being prudent in using the people of a kingdom to help advance it, but being careful not to push them to the point of rebellion.