I do not find anything in the sayings of Confucius that can be called cynical, such as we find in some of the Proverbs of Solomon, even in reference to women, where women were, as in most Oriental countries, despised.  The most that approaches cynicism is in such a remark as this:  “I have not yet seen one who could perceive his faults and inwardly accuse himself.”  His definition of perfect virtue is above that of Paley:  “The man of virtue makes the difficulty to be overcome his first business, and success only a secondary consideration.”  Throughout his writings there is no praise of success without virtue, and no disparagement of want of success with virtue.  Nor have I found in his sayings a sentiment which may be called demoralizing.  He always takes the higher ground, and with all his ceremony ever exalts inward purity above all external appearances.  There is a quaint common-sense in some of his writings which reminds one of the sayings of Abraham Lincoln.  For instance:  One of his disciples asked, “If you had the conduct of armies, whom would you have to act with you?” The master replied:  “I would not have him to act with me who will unarmed attack a tiger, or cross a river without a boat.”  Here something like wit and irony break out:  “A man of the village said, ’Great is K’ung the philosopher; his learning is extensive, and yet he does not render his name famous by any particular thing.’  The master heard this observation, and said to his disciples:  ’What shall I practise, charioteering or archery?  I will practise charioteering.’”

When the Duke of Loo asked about government, the master said:  “Good government exists when those who are near are made happy, and when those who are far off are attracted.”  When the Duke questioned him again on the same subject, he replied:  “Go before the people with your example, and be laborious in their affairs....  Pardon small faults, and raise to office men of virtue and talents.”  “But how shall I know the men of virtue?” asked the duke.  “Raise to office those whom you do know,” The key to his political philosophy seems to be this:  “A man who knows how to govern himself, knows how to govern others; and he who knows how to govern other men, knows how to govern an empire.”  “The art of government,” he said, “is to keep its affairs before the mind without weariness, and to practise them with undeviating constancy....  To govern means to rectify.  If you lead on the people with correctness, who will not dare to be correct?” This is one of his favorite principles; namely, the force of a good example,—­as when the reigning prince asked him how to do away with thieves, he replied:  “If you, Sir, were not covetous, although you should reward them to do it, they would not steal.”  This was not intended as a rebuke to the prince, but an illustration of the force of a great example.  Confucius rarely openly rebuked any one, especially a prince, whom it was his duty to venerate for his office.  He contented himself with enforcing principles.  Here his moderation and great courtesy are seen.