To punish or execute someone without prior instruction or warning; to be cruel and tyrannical by penalizing people for mistakes without first educating them.
Era:
Ancient
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Story:
During the Spring and Autumn Period, at the age of 56, Confucius served as the Grand Minister of Justice (大司寇) in the State of Lu. Upon taking office, he issued three major decrees: implementing fair pricing for transactions, requiring men and women to walk on separate sides of the road, and ensuring proper hospitality for foreign visitors.
At that time, Shao Zhengmao emerged to oppose Confucius and was subsequently arrested.
Confucius's subordinates asked if Shao Zhengmao should be executed. Confucius, who always advocated "benevolent governance" (仁政) and emphasized education, believed that "to punish without teaching is tyranny." Therefore, he had Shao Zhengmao imprisoned instead of executed.