"Influence for moral betterment proceeds from those above to those below; it extends from the elder generation to the younger. This is why, when the father is not kind, the son is not filial; when the elder brother is not friendly, the younger is not respectful; when the husband is unjust, the wife is not obedient. When the father is kind and the son refractory; when the elder brother is friendly and the younger is rude; when the husband is just and the wife insolent, then these are people who are naturally evil, and they must be subjected to punishment, since they are not to be changed by counsel and guidance... The gentleness tempered with severity used in governing the household is indeed like that which is required in governing the State."
-Yen Chih-t'ui, 6th Century
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment