1.Practice petty loyalty and thereby betray a larger loyalty.
During a battle, a Commander grew thirsty, called his page, who brought him wine. The Commander had a drinking problem, but because he was so thirsty, the page lied to him and said it wasn’t wine. He grew more addicted to this wine, and was beheaded by the King.
2. To fix your eye on a petty gain, and thereby lose a larger one.
The duke of Chin wanted to secure passage through the state of Yu in order to launch an attack on the state of Kuo. They used Jade and the team of four horses, which were prized possessios of the duke. They bribed the duke of Yu, and got passage in return. The duke then attacked and conquered Kuo and Yu and the duke of Yu lost his domain because he longed for petty profit.
3. To behave in a base and willful manner and show no courtesy to other feudal lords, thereby bringing about your own downfall.
King Ling held a summoned a meeting with all the feudal lords, and the prince of Sung arrived late. He seized him and held him prisoner.
4. To give no ear to government affairs but long for only the sound of music, thereby plunging yourself into distress.
Duke Ling was traveling to the state of Chin when he stopped by a river, and when sleeping, heard music that pleased him. He summoned his music master, who memorized the song, and later played it for duke Ping of Chin. The duke knew it was a song of a doomed nation, but still ahd him play to the end. He then had him play it in the Chih mode, then in the chueh mode. He was not worthy to hear the chih or the chueh, but he justified himself by saying he was an old man, and the only thing he longed for was music. The mode was played, and the state of Chin was visited by a drought that seared the land for years.
5. Encouraging baleful pursuits.
Kings will beautify their palaces, surround themselves with attractive people, animals, and materialistic things. The consequences are exhausting the people who build these palaces, and demanding heavy taxes from the people to maintain this disorder in the mind.
What are the keys to being a successful ruler?
1. Must not reveal his desires.
If he reveals his desires, his ministers will put on the mask that pleases him. Discard likes and dislikes and your ministers will show true form.
2. Enlightened ruler controls ministers by the two handles of punishment and favor.
To inflict mutilation and death is punishment. To bestow honor and reward is favor. Those who act as ministers fear the penalties and hope to profit by the rewards.
