Rectitude carried to excess hardens into stiffness; Benevolence indulged beyond measure sinks into weakness. Date Masamune
This Once Was True
It is impossible that any one should become ruler of the people to whom they have not yielded the subjection of their hearts. Mencius
Requirement of a True Ruler
Instances are on record where individuals attained to supreme power in a single state, without benevolence, but never have I heard of a whole empire falling into the hands of one who lacked this virtue. Mencius
How to Rule
Never has there been a case of a sovereign loving benevolence, and the people not loving righteousness. Confucius