The Master said: "When the Way prevails under heaven, rites, music, and military campaigns proceed from the Son of Heaven. When the Way does not prevail under heaven, rites, music, and military campaigns proceed from the feudal lords. When they proceed from the feudal lords, it is rare that power is not lost within ten generations. When they proceed from the great officers, it is rare that power is not lost within five generations. When the subordinate ministers of great officers hold the reins of the state, it is rare that power is not lost within three generations. When the Way prevails under heaven, government does not rest in the hands of the great officers. When the Way prevails under heaven, the common people do not need to debate and remonstrate."