"Confucius, China's most famous philosopher, was asked by a student if there was one word that could represent a guiding principle in life. His answer was "shu" - meaning a reciprocal arrangement exists between yourself and others, so consider their needs when you do something. It's a good rule of thumb for any individual, but governments should particularly bear it in mind, because a mutual connection exists between a government and its electorate that any administration ignores at its peril."
"Why, then, is the present Coalition fuelling resentment by disregarding that fundamental "shu"?"
Confucius defined 'shu' as a reciprocal arrangement that requires considering others' needs when acting. Individuals can use that rule of thumb, and governments have an amplified duty to do so because a mutual connection exists between a government and its electorate. High taxation is a fair trade-off when it funds excellent public services that repay citizens' contributions. In Ireland, the trade-off is failing because high taxes are not delivering equivalent public-service value. The present Coalition is fuelling resentment by disregarding that fundamental reciprocity, risking erosion of trust and political legitimacy.
Read at Independent
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