A minister with great moral integrity who follows the Six Good Conducts will enjoy honor and glory. In contrast, a minister who commits any of the Six Evil Conducts will provoke humiliations.

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Note: The Six Good Conducts of a minister are:

1. Has great foresight and takes preventive measures. Such a person is a “sagely minister.”

2. Modest and diligent, supports the good and eradicates the evil. Such a person is a “good minister.”

3. Hardworking and never tire of recommending good people to work for the government. Such a person is a “loyal minister.”

4. Perceptive about success or failure, turns misfortune into good fortune. Such a person is a “wise minister.”

5. Honest and scrupulous in his dealings, performs official duties with integrity. Such a person is an “honorable minister.”

6. Upright and outspoken, unafraid to point out the faults of his government. Such a person is a “forthright minister.”

The Six Evil Conducts of a minister are:

1. Being content with an official salary but having no interest in his job. Such a person is an “incompetent minister.”

2. Flatters effusively to placate his superiors. Such is a “flattering minister.”

3. Talks cleverly in an ingratiating manner, and is jealous of good and able people. Such a person is a “treacherous minister.”

4. Talks artfully and sows discord among people. Such a person is a “slandering minister.”

5. Dictatorial and arbitrary, and forms divisive factions to advance his personal interests. Such a person is a “crooked minister.”

6. Works behind the scenes and stirs up trouble and unrest. Such a person is a “vicious minister.”

Confucius said: “In attendance to the leader, superior persons reflect upon the ways in which they can serve with utmost loyalty in their official duties. And on retirement they reflect upon the ways in which they can remedy their leader’s mistakes. They will help to advance worthy causes put forward by the leader, and they will not hesitate to remedy his shortcomings. Hence, the relationship between the superior and the subordinate is cordial and amicable.”

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