| | You Shao once studied books, but his nature was dull and stubborn; he did not understand the art of divination or numerology, nor did he like the study of textual exegesis. The Tongdian compiled by him indeed draws upon various opinions and verifies them through human affairs, intending to apply them in governance. The first priority of governing the state lies in implementing moral education; the foundation of moral education lies in ensuring sufficient clothing and food for the people. The Yijing says, "To gather people is called wealth." Hongfan's Eight Policies state: the first is food, and the second is goods. Guanzi said: "When granaries are full, people know propriety and restraint; when clothing and food are sufficient, people understand honor and disgrace." Confucius said: "After wealth is achieved, then comes education." This is what is meant by that. Implementing moral education depends on establishing official positions; establishing official positions depends on assessing the talents of officials; assessing the talents of officials depends on carefully selecting candidates. Establishing rites to rectify customs and creating music to harmonize people's hearts—this is the fundamental approach by which sage kings achieved good governance. Therefore, only after official positions are established can rites and music be promoted; only when moral education fails can punishments be applied. The states and commanderies were arranged to be separately administered, and border defenses were set up to repel the Rong and Di peoples. Therefore, food and goods are placed first. Official selection follows next, Official positions come after that, Rites follow next, Music follows next, Punishments follow next; States and commanderies follow next, Border defense comes last. Those who peruse it may perhaps understand the intent behind the arrangement of chapters and sections.
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