Confucius remarked, "When directing the affairs of a great nation, a man must be serious in attention to business and faithful and punctual in his engagements. He must study economy in the public expenditure, and love the welfare of the people. He must employ the people at the proper time of the year."

The Master said, "In guiding a state of a thousand chariots, approach your duties with reverence and be trustworthy in what you say; keep expenditure under proper regulation and love your fel low men; employ the labour of the common people in the right seasons."

The Master said, "A country of a thousand war-chariots cannot be administered unless the ruler attends strictly to business, punctually observes his promises, is economical in expenditure, shows affection towards his subjects in general, and uses the labour of the peasantry only at the proper times of year."

The Master said: "The way (dao 道) to lead a thousand - chariot state effectively is to carry out your official duties respectfully and make good on your word (xin 信); be frugal in your expenditures and love your peers; and put the common people to work only at the proper time of year."

Chee says, in ruling the extensive province, diligently regard business, and be sincere (in your promises;) practise a discreet economy, and love mankind: employ the people in season.