Lun Yu – Les Entretiens de Confucius

Tchoung koung était grand intendant du chef de la famille Ki. Il interrogea Confucius sur l'art d'administrer. Le Maître dit : « Mets en avant les subalternes ; pardonne les erreurs légères ; mets en charge des hommes sages et habiles. » Tchoung koung dit : « Comment connaîtrai-je les hommes sages et habiles, afin de leur confier les charges ? » Confucius répondit : « Promeus ceux que tu connais. Quant à ceux que tu ne connais pas, est-ce que d'autres ne te les feront pas connaître ? »

Couvreur XIII.2.

The duties chiefly to be attended to by a head minister:– a lesson to Zan Yung.
1. Chung-kung, being chief minister to the head of the Chi family, asked about government. The Master said, "Employ first the services of your various officers, pardon small faults, and raise to office men of virtue and talents."
2. Chung-kung said, "How shall I know the men of virtue and talent, so that I may raise them to office?" He was answered, "Raise to office those whom you know. As to those whom you do not know, will others neglect them?"

Legge XIII.2.

While he was steward to the Chi Family, Chung-kung asked about government. The Master said, 'Set an example for your officials to follow; show leniency towards minor offenders; and promote men of talent.' 'How does one recognize men of talent to promote?' 'Promote those you do recognize. Do you suppose others will allow those you fail to recognize to be passed over?'

Lau [13:2]