| name | five-criteria-official-evaluation |
| description | Use when evaluating candidates for government positions or assessing character suitability. Applies Li Ke's five-lens framework: 居视其所亲, 富视其所与, 达视其所举, 穷视其所不为, 贫视其所不取 to reveal values, generosity, judgment, principles, and integrity. |
Five Criteria for Official Evaluation
This is an ancient Chinese framework attributed to Li Ke for comprehensively evaluating candidates for government positions.
Overview
Evaluate a person's character through five distinct lenses to determine their suitability for office.
The Five Criteria
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居视其所亲 - Observe who they associate with in daily life
- Their choice of companions reveals their values
- Look at their close friends and associates
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富视其所与 - Observe how they distribute wealth when prosperous
- Do they share generously or hoard?
- What causes do they support financially?
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达视其所举 - Observe whom they recommend when in power
- Do they promote capable people or favorites?
- Quality of their recommendations reflects judgment
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穷视其所不为 - Observe what they refuse to do when facing difficulties
- What principles do they maintain under pressure?
- What lines will they not cross?
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贫视其所不取 - Observe what they refuse to accept when poor
- Do they maintain integrity despite poverty?
- What bribes or ill-gotten gains do they reject?
Expected Outcome
These five criteria provide sufficient information to determine a candidate's true character and suitability for office without needing additional investigation.
Verification
- Confirm that all five criteria were applied to the candidate, not just the most convenient or observable ones.
- Validate that observations were gathered across different life conditions (daily life, prosperity, power, difficulty, and poverty) rather than a single snapshot.
- Check that the evaluation reveals consistent character patterns across all five lenses before making the appointment decision.
