Wang Fu and the Comments of a Recluse (Arizona State University Center for Asian Studies Monograph Series, No 24)

"Wang Fu and the Comments of a Recluse by Margaret Pearson is an interesting, small academic foray into later Han political theory by a man who aspired to office, but refused to compromise his integrity in order to gain official appointment. Wang Fu is characterized as a student of Xunzi, who believed that capable officials were commonplace, though they were flawed and thus required oversight. He argued against what we perceive as nepotism as the maternal relatives of the empress would be well rewarded with high positions. He believes more so in character to justify an official appointment, though strongly believed in continued checks on their performance. The higher your office, the more you should be punished for failing to live up to the duties required of that office."--Goodreads 1-5.pdf 9-45.pdf 46-85.pdf 86-123.pdf 124-161.pdf