Letter: Rule with ‘benevolence and rightness’

Mencius, a Chinese philosopher who lived three centuries before Christ, provided priceless advice for kings who misused their power because they failed to know a better way to rule.Mencius said, “All that matters is that there should be benevolence and rightness. What is the use of mentioning the word profit?”Mencius' advice to monarchs was cogent, but even more relevant today for democracy.Benevolence suggests the well-being of all citizens should be the primary goal of government.