Impartial, Skilled, Respect for Law: The Ancient Ideals of Civil Servants at the root of Eastern and Western Traditions

Abstract

When studying civil service traditions, scholars often contrast the Eastern, Confucian tradition from the Western, Weberian tradition. A few Korean and American scholars pointed out that the two traditions are not that different. It is argued in this article that they are not, because they are both grounded in the ancient Egyptian wisdom literature about what makes a good civil servant. They are impartial in their dealings with people, the have the administrative and technical skills necessary, and they respect the rule of law. The ancient Egyptian, Confucian, and Weberian traditions are visible in the work of Yu Hyŏngwŏn, a 17th century Korean scholar and civil servant.