Single Idea 8240

[catalogued under 24. Political Theory / C. Ruling a State / 2. Leaders / b. Monarchy]

Full Idea

If you shared your enjoyment of music or of hunting with the people, you would be a true King.

Gist of Idea

A true king shares his pleasure with the people

Source

Mengzi (Mencius) (The Mengzi (Mencius) [c.332 BCE], 1.B.1)

Book Reference

Mencius: 'Mencius', ed/tr. Lau,D.C. [Penguin 1970], p.61


A Reaction

I suspect that this is a great truth for dictators and traditional monarchs. One pictures the successful ones attending public entertainments, and allowing the public to see their own. Tyrants keep entertainment private. Nero is a counterexample!