致士 (Attracting Scholars) — Chinese ink painting

荀子 Xunzi · Chapter 14

致士

Attracting Scholars

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川淵深而魚鱉歸之

Deep Pools Attract Fish; Just Government Attracts Scholars

川淵深而魚鱉歸之,山林茂而禽獸歸之,刑政平而百姓歸之,禮義備而君子歸之。故禮及身而行修,義及國而政明。

When rivers and pools are deep, fish and turtles gather there. When mountain forests are lush, birds and beasts gather there. When punishments and government are fair, the common people gather. When ritual propriety and duty are fully realized, gentlemen gather. Therefore when ritual reaches the person, conduct is cultivated; when duty reaches the state, governance is clear.

Edition & Source

Text
《荀子》 Xunzi
Edition
《四部叢刊》本
Commentary
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