Once Confucius was walking on the mountains and he came across a woman weeping by a grave. He asked the woman what here sorrow was, and she replied, We are a family of hunters. My father was eaten by a tiger. My husband was bitten by a tiger and died. And now my only son! Why don't you move down and live in the valley? Why do you continue to live up here? asked Confucius. And the woman replied, But sir, there are no tax collectors here! Confucius added to his disciples, You see, a bad government is more to be feared than tigers.

Summary

This quote by Confucius highlights the importance of good governance and the negative impact of a bad government on society. Confucius encounters a woman mourning the loss of her family members due to tiger attacks. When suggested to move to the valley for safety, the woman makes a sarcastic remark about the absence of tax collectors in the mountains. Confucius uses this anecdote to illustrate that the fear and harm caused by an oppressive and corrupt government outweigh the dangers posed by wildlife. The quote emphasizes the significance of fair and just governance for the well-being and prosperity of a society.

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