Tzu-kung asked, “What is kingcraft?”
The Master said, “Food enough, troops enough, and the trust of the people.”
Tzu-kung said, “If it had to be done, which could best be spared of the three?”
“Troops.” said the Master.
“And if we had to, which could better be spared of the other two?”
“Food,” said the Master. “From of old all men die, but without trust a people cannot stand.”