子曰:「善人教民七年,亦可以即戎矣。」
Confucius said: “After a good ruler has taught the people for seven years they are ready for battle.”
子曰:「以不教民戰,是謂棄之。」
Confucius said: “Sending people to war who have not been properly taught is the same as throwing them away.”
Even though his teachings were focused on promoting peace and stability, Confucius was pragmatic enough to realize that there are times when war is unavoidable and that a ruler needs to prepare his people for such an event. Continue reading Ready for battle