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This is what is meant by saying that if the person be not cultivated, a man cannot regulate his family. What is meant by "In order rightly to govern the state, it is necessary first to regulate the family", is this: -It is not possible for one to teach others, while he cannot teach his own family. Therefore, the ruler, without going beyond his family, completes the lessons for the state. There is filial piety:-therewith the. sovereign should be served. There is fraternal submission:-therewith elders and superiors should be served. There is kindness:-therewith the multitude should be treated.
In the Announcement to K'ang, it is said: Act as if you were watching over an infant.