The book " Guan Zi " is developed with governance as the main axis, and has rich and different aspects. This article is to discuss thoughts and methods of governing the country. The idea of governing the country in "Guan Zi" is based on Taoism. From the idea of Taoism, it develops the idea of governance country with equal emphasis on the rule of virtue and the rule of law, .
However, the key to the success or failure of governing the country relies on the king. King need to be a wise king from his own self-cultivation, need to be healthy, need to have moral and virtue. And also need to be omniscient and observant, can carefully listen and make right judgement. Can patiently wait for the right time to take right move. And know how to select talents and who can follow the law to become officers. And measure all officers meritorious service according to law. King is based on virtue to rule rhe country, to take cares peoples living, to educate peoples with morality. King follow the law to show his love of people. Sets a good example to all his follow people. All these abilities required by these kings are all discussed in "Guan Zi". Through this paper, will try to sort out and discuss "Guan Zi" thoughts on governing the country.
Equal emphasis on the rule of law and the rule of virtue is the core thought of "Guan Zi" in governing the country. The law is the criterion for governing the country and the people. From the king to the subjects, the people must abide by the law. He also advocated cultivating and teaching the people with virtue, and regulating people's life and behavior with etiquette. In his rule of virtue, he emphasizes the people-oriented thought and advocates loving the people and benefiting the people as the main axis of governance, but all actions must still be done in accordance with the law.
Its governance advocates that the country should be rich and the army should be strong, while a rich country should encourage agricultural production, emphasize the adjustment of prices to equalize the rich and the poor, and use the "official mountains and seas" and "light and heavy" methods to enrich the treasury to reduce the burden on the people. Strong soldiers advocate the idea of integrating soldiers into agriculture, and it is necessary to do a good job in military preparation and personnel training to enhance military strength. At the same time, it attaches importance to diplomacy and non-military operations to reduce the consumption of national strength by military mobilization.