【原文】

子曰：〝如有王者，必世而後仁。〞

【參考譯文】

孔子說：〝即使有聖明君主出現，也要經過三十年才能實現仁政。〞

【English Translation】

Confucius said: "Even if there were sagacious rulers, it would take a generation to establish a benevolent government. "

【原文】

子曰：〝苟正其身矣。于從政乎何有？不能正其身，如正人何？〞

【參考譯文】

孔子說：〝執政者如果自身行為端正，治理國家還有什麼困難呢？如果自身行不端正，又怎能匡正他人呢？〞

【English Translation】

Confucius said: "Why should a ruler have any difficulties in running a country if he is upright? If he is not upright himself, how can others be made upright? "

【原文】

葉公問政，子曰：〝近者說，遠者來。〞

【參考譯文】

葉公向孔子詢問政務，孔子說：〝讓您管轄範圍內的百姓高興，管轄範圍外的人紛紛來歸附您。〞

【English Translation】

The Duke of She asked about government. Confucius said: "Good government is when people within your area of administration are happy, and many form outside your vicinity are attracted to come. "