Five Criteria
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The ruler of Wei, Marquis Wen, had two ministers, Wei Cheng and Di Huang. Both were very capable. Unable to decide who should be appointed prime minister, he summoned Li Ke, a learned man, into his palace for consultation.
“Before a man achieves recognition,” Li Ke told his host. “observe with whom he is associated; when he becomes rich, watch to whom he gives his money; when he has assumed a high position, look at whom he promotes; when he is in difficulty, notice what things he refuses to do; when he is poor, see what he does not accept. If you know these five aspects about a person, you know who should be appointed as prime minister.”
“Thank you for your advice. I know who to appoint now.”
On his way home, Li Ke came across Di Huang who invited him to his home for a chat. Earlier, Li Ke had recommended
Di Huang to the marquis who appointed him to a senior position. Di Huang had become a friend of his ever since.
“I heard you were talking with the marquis about the candidate for prime minister,” said Di Huang. “Who do you think would be appointed?”
“Wei Cheng.”
“How come?” Di Huang was not pleased. “I recommended Wu Qi to the marquis, and Wu Qi did a good job in Xi He. I recommended Ximen Bao, and Ximen Bao did a good in Ye. I recommended Yue Yang, and Yue Yang won a great victory over Zhongshan. I also recommended a very good tutor for the marquis’ son. I’ve done a lot for the marquis. I believe I’m better than Wei Cheng in every way.”
“It’s only my guess, my friend. I think Wei Cheng would be chosen because he is an uncommon man. He keeps only ten percent of his income to himself and gives away the rest to those working for him and other poor people. Those he recommended, the marquis treats them as his mentors. Those you recommended, the marquis made them ministers. The way Wei Cheng spends money shows his aspiration, and the quality of people Wei Cheng recommended shows his judgment. I don’t think you can compare with him.”
Di Huang bowed to his guest.
“You are right. I’m not as good as Wei Cheng. I am a shallow man.” And he asked Li Ke to be his tutor.
Just as Li Ke had predicted, Marquis Wen appointed Wei Cheng as prime minister.
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Wise Proverbs
- Character is what makes one man stand out more prominently than another.
- 一个人的德性使他与众不同。
- The highest good resembles the way of water. It rewards all yet never contends.
- 上善若水，水善利万物而不争。
- To appoint people on their merits.
- 任人唯贤。
Editor Says:
Li Ke’s criteria have stood the test of time.