Advice to Washington from Ancient China

[muriel_volestrangler]

"In the second century BCE, Liu An, king of Huainan, asked the scholars of his court to prepare a book that would outline everything a wise monarch should know about statecraft, philosophy, and general world knowledge..."

If a ruler rejects those who work for the public good, and employs people according to friendship and factions, then those of bizarre talent and frivolous ability will be promoted out of turn, while conscientious officials will be hindered and will not advance. In this way, the customs of the people will fall into disorder throughout the state, and accomplished officials will struggle.

If the ruler ignores what he should preserve and struggles with his ministers and subordinates about the conduct of affairs, then those with official posts will be preoccupied with holding on to their positions, and those charged with official duties will avoid dismissal by following the whims of the ruler. This will cause capable ministers to conceal their wisdom.
...
When those who hold the reins of government pander to their superiors and commit errors, there will be no way to hold them accountable. When those who commit crimes are not punished, the numerous officials will lapse into turmoil and disorder, and wisdom will not be able to resolve the situation. Baseless slander and unwarranted praise will spout forth, and enlightenment will not be able to clarify the situation.
...
A ruler’s words should not be spoken heedlessly; his actions should not be carried out heedlessly. He should select what is good, and only then pursue a course of action.

https://www.lrb.co.uk/blog/2018/02/26/eliot-weinberger/advice-to-washington-from-ancient-china/

[ffr]

1. History is for suckers. Long live low-information cronyism.

[LiberalLovinLug]

2. And when it does all inevitably come crashing down

the new rulers should not immediately pronounce they will "look forward" and let the last rulers off the hook. Because it only emboldens the next potential ruler to up the ante.

[BBG]

3. Learn from the past, then look forward

And by learn I mean note the mistakes made that got us here and resolve them before looking forward.

[safeinOhio]

4. Sage advice