537. How to Be a Great Leader: Following Confucius’ Example

During his presidency, Thomas Jefferson was determined to make himself a great leader remembered by later generations as a leader for his great virtues. His deter-mination was reflected in his inclusion of a poem that Confucius recommended in his personal scrapbook.[1] The poem paid tribute to Prince Wei (衞武公) from the State of Wei (衞国). Prince Wei was loved and respected by the people of his state.[2]  Confucius set Prince Wei as a standard to whom other leaders of various states should aspire.

Since Jefferson loved the poem so much he placed the poem in his personal books. It is worth sharing quotes from this poem. They will help us understand Jefferson’s purpose of having this poem.

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[1] Colin Wells, Thomas Jefferson's Scrapbooks: Poems of Nation, Family, and Romantic Love Collected by America's Third President, in Early American Literature, Nov2007, Vol. 42 Issue 3, p.626.

[2] This poem is in Shijing (诗经The Book of Odes) compiled by Confucius. It is available on line at http://www.shigeku.org/shiku/ws/sy/shijing.htm