Wise Words from a Wise Man

Book III. 16: The Master said, “The gentleman understands what is moral, the small man understands what is profitable.”

GOVERNMENT(noun): the organization, machinery, or agency through which a political unit exercises authority and performs functions and which is usually classified according to the distribution of power within it

CORRUPT(adj): characterized by improper conduct (as bribery or the selling of favors); depraved

These two terms, supposed to be as far away from each other as possible, have been used interchangeably. Throughout history, there have been tales of numerous corrupt leaders or systems of government. This shouldn't come off as surprising since human beings are just merely human beings with human lustful indulges. We're all corrupt in some way. And when you put a group of humans together and give them the task of governing over other human beings, things can get messy. A government ruled by humans, who are inherently corrupt in some way or another, is bound to have some problems. The whole is the sum of its parts. Like dominoes, one corrupt person can persuade others to become like them and with one flick, the whole government falls down. 

So as our dear friend Confucius says, our government should be "controlled" by gentlemen not small men. In every type of government, isn't it the leader's job to look out for the country? This stands true even for dictators and tyrants. What is a leader without a country to rule? The day when the leaders truly place the people before their own needs will be the day of world peace. Even the tiniest decisions can be ruled by personal feelings and emotions. You have to be willing to put your life on the line to do what is right. The gentleman would sacrifice his reputation, money, etc. for the good of the people- to do what is moral. The small man would do what he thinks will benefit him the most. Nowadays, there are many small men in the governments all around the world and this is why our world is so corrupt.

They say that history repeats itself. Maybe a reincarnation of Confucius will happen to come strolling by and give the world a wake up call. with the technology these days, perhaps a machine will be created to convert small men into gentlemen. just a thought.