The Categories of Abilities

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The Study of Human Abilities Translated by J. K. Shryock^*

Chapter 3 - The Categories of Abilities

     There are twelve categories of abilities:  the man of sublime behavior, the statesman, the strategist, the leader of a state, the man of instrumental ability, the critic, the practical man, the astute man, the literary man, the learned man, the dialectician, and the [military] hero.

     [If a man’s] virtuous actions are high and admirable, his bearing and conduct may be used as models.  Such a one is called a man of sublime behavior.  Yen Ling and Yen Ying were [of this class].

     [If a man can] frame laws and set up institutions, strengthen the country and enrich the people; such a one is called a statesman.   Kuan Chung and Shang Yang were [of this class].

     [If a man’s] thoughts are penerating and his way fluid, while his plans are marvelously clever; such a one is called a strategist.   Fan Li and Chang Liang were [of this class].

     [It is possible for a man to have] these three qualities, all three in completeness.  His virtue is sufficient to encourage the [keeping of the] mores.  His law is enough to set the world right.  His plans are able to win victory from within the temple.  Such a one is called the leader of a state.  Yi Yin and Lü Wang were [of this class].

     One may have all these three qualities in small measure.   His virtue is enough to lead a state.  His law is sufficient to set right a village or a town.  His plans are able to meet the exigencies of affairs.  Such a one is called a man of instrumental ability.  Tzu Ch‘an and His-meng Pao were [of this class].

     A man may have one of these three qualities incompletely, and this gives rise to three other categories.

     [A man approximating] the man of sublime behavior may be unable to be all-embracing and considerate.  He likes to be sarcastic and scornful, and to discriminate between right and wrong.  Such a man is called a critic.  Those like Tzu Hsia are [of this class].

     [A man approximating] the statesman may be unable to evolve new ideas and plan far ahead, yet able to perform the duties of an office, to polish ideas and carry [them] out cleverly.  Such a one is called a practical man.  Chang Ch‘ang and Chao Kuang-han [were of this class].

     [A man approximating] the strategist may be unable to found institutions and form permanent policies, yet able to use his versatility in changing circumstances.  He has more than enough wisdom and cunning, but is deficient in character.  Such a one is called an astute man.  Ch‘en P‘ing and Han An-kuo were [of this class].

     These eight categories all use the first three qualities as their sources.  Therefore although there are differences in their variations, they are all abilities which make affairs easy.

     One who is able to compose essays and write books is called a literary man.  Ssu-ma Ch‘ien and Pan Ku were [of this class].

     One who can transmit the doctrines of sages, but who is incapable of action and administrative duties, is called a learned man.  Mao Kung and Kuan Kung were [of this class].

     One whose discussions do not enter Tao, but whose conversation is full and fluent, is called a dialectician.  Lo Yi and Tsao-ch‘iu Sheng were [of this class].

     One whose courage and strength are superior to the average, whose ability and tactics surpass those of the mass of men, is called a [military] hero.  Po Ch‘i and Han Hsin were [of this class].

     All these twelve abilities are qualities of officials.   The virtue of the sovereign is not included.

     One having the  virtue of the sovereign has wisdom and balance of character, integrating and directing all these qualities, yet not assuming the duties himself.  Therefore when the Tao of the sovereign is established, the twelve abilities will receive their proper offices.

     The virtue of the man of sublime behavior belongs to the office of teacher.

     The ability of the statesman belongs to the office of ssu-k‘ou.

     The ability of the strategist belongs to the office of san-ku.

     Those who have these three qualities in their completeness belong in the office of san-kung.

     Those who have a little of the three abilities belong in the office of prime minister.

     The ability of the critic belongs to the office of assistant to the teacher.

     The ability of the astute man belongs to the office of assistant to the prime minister.

     The ability of the practical man belongs to the office of ssu-k‘ung.

     The ability of the learned man belongs to the office of pacificator.

     The ability of the literary man belongs to the office of imperial historiographer.

     The ability of the dialectician belongs to the office of the minister of foreign affairs.

     The ability of the military hero belongs to the office of commander.

     Therefore when the way of the sovereign is achieved, the way of the ministers follows as a corollary.  The officers will not change their places, and peace will be attained.

     If the way [of the sovereign] is not balanced, but inclines toward one of these abilities, that ability will acquire [undue] power, and the other abilities will lose employment.

^* Liu Shao. Jen wu chih. Translated by J. K. Shryock. New Haven, Connecticut: American Oriental Society, 1937.

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