An unchanging principle underpinning the governance of a country is that it should deliver benefits to the people. Here, “the governance of a country” refers to establishing systems of governance and policies, and issuing decrees; “delivering benefits to the people” means safeguarding the interests of the people and doing what is best for them. This is another expression of the traditional Chinese notion of “putting the people first.” Today, it is behind the thinking of putting the people above everything else and satisfying their desire for a better life.

An unchanging principle of state governance is ensuring that all systems and government decrees should aim to deliver benefits to the people. The first rule of administration is ensuring that decrees are successfully implemented. (Strategies of the Warring States)