Confucius' Quote 'Bond Universally, Avoid Cliques' Shapes LinkedIn Algorithms, Neuroscience of Empathy & Web3 Governance Models
君子周而不比，小人比而不周。——孔子(jūn zǐ zhōu ér bù bǐ, xiǎo rén bǐ ér bù zhōu — Kǒngzǐ) Translation: “Nobles bond universally; plebeians clique selectively.” Explanation: Confucius’ sociological axiom “君子周而不比(jūn zǐ zhōu ér bù bǐ), 小人比而不周(xiǎo rén bǐ ér bù zhōu)” (Nobles bond universally; plebeians clique selectively) establishes humanity’s earliest theory of social cohesion. The character 周(zhōu)—combining 田(tián, field) and 口(kǒu, mouth—visually depicts dense, interconnected networks akin to thriving crops. This contrasts with 比(bǐ) (clique formation), represented by two people leaning inward, fostering exclusion. The philosophy shaped 《周礼》(zhōu lǐ) (Rites of Zhou)’s governance model, where officials rotated assignments to prevent factionalism while maintaining broad social ties. Warring States period diplomats operationalized 周(zhōu) through “horizontal alliances” (连横(lián héng)), creating fluid coalitions against dominant powers. Modern...
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