It is not scarcity that we should fear, but inequality. These words, an underpinning principle put forth by Confucius (551-479 BC), shed light on his philosophy of governance. In this paradigm, “scarcity” symbolizes the shortage of land, population, or wealth, while “equality” epitomizes fairness and balance – each person receiving their fair share. Confucius argued that the accumulation of societal resources and the growth of wealth, while significant, should not be a ruler’s primary objective. Instead, the focus ought to be on the just and equitable distribution of resources and wealth. By doing so, rulers could maintain a balanced state for both society and nation. In the modern context, this wisdom serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of fairness and justice. Even in a society teeming with wealth, stark wealth disparity can inflame social conflict and, if left unchecked, precipitate societal fragmentation.

For princes, dukes, ministers, and senior officials, they should not worry that their land is too small, or their people are too few in number, but that wealth is inequitably distributed; they should not worry about the scarcity of wealth but the instability in the country. When wealth is fairly distributed, people will not feel poor; when people are harmonious, they won’t feel few in number; when society is stable, those who govern will not be overthrown. (The Analects)