古之欲明明德于天下者

古之欲明明德于天下者，先治其国。欲治其国者，先齐其家。欲齐其家者，先修其身。

The ancients, who wished to promote illustrious virtue under heaven, first had to rule their own states well.  In this case, they had to manage their fiefdoms well first and had to cultivate themselves first if they wish to manage their fiefdoms well.

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