zé择shàn善ér而cóng从
To choose what is good and follow it; to learn from good examples and act accordingly.
Era:
Ancient
Frequency:
Story:
During the Spring and Autumn period, Wei Xianzi, a powerful minister, divided the territory of the Qi clan into seven counties and that of the Yangshe clan into three, subsequently appointing and promoting local officials.
He intended to employ Wei Wu but worried about accusations of favoritism.
He consulted Grand Master Cheng Chuan, who stated that as long as a person possessed talent and virtue, kinship should not be a factor. The key was whether they could choose what is good and follow it, and administer rewards and punishments justly and clearly.