Taizong was mindful of the advice of a legendary ruler of ancient China: "Heaven favors humility and frowns upon pride. Don't regard yourself as glorious. Don't consider yourself as great."
Basic requirements for a good ruler: The ruler is the person people look up to. He should inspire awe and esteem. He should put the interest of the people first. He should be tolerant and magnanimous, fair and just in decision-making. He should be humble and diligent and treat his ministers with respect. He should practice virtue and righteousness.
Are we really 1300 years behind the times? The remaining chapters are equally enlightening. In view of the present state of our country and of many other countries, there is little in the book that could not serve as a guide today for leadership, not only of nations, but in everyday life.
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