A leader or official showing profound sorrow and taking personal responsibility for the wrongdoings or suffering of the people under their governance, reflecting a sense of accountability and compassion.
Era:
Ancient
Frequency:
Story:
According to legend, during the reign of Yu the Great, Yu was inspecting his territory by chariot. He saw a prisoner being led away and alighted to ask about the crime. The prisoner replied that he had stolen someone's grain.
Upon hearing this, Yu shed tears. His attendants were puzzled. Yu explained that it was his responsibility if the common people could not be of one heart and mind with him, leading them to commit acts that harmed others for their own benefit. He then ordered a stone tablet to be inscribed with the words, 'If the common people commit a crime, the fault lies with me alone.'