On the Wealth of a State

According to Master Xun, in developing the economy of a country and making it prosperous and strong, it was politically necessary to make clear social divisions and have them organized, to honor the worthy and employ the capable, and rigorously implement awards and punishments, and economically essential to tap resources, reduce expenses, strengthen the fundamental, restrict the incidental, and enrich the people. These measures were all based on rite and morality whose key was held by the ruler of men.