Ashoka details instructions on the conduct of his officials and mentions ways to ensure that they practiced fairness in one of his edicts. Read the translation below and share your thoughts on whether those ways would have been successful in helping manage his empire and how.
“By order of the Beloved of the Gods-the officers and city magistrates [… ] are to be instructed thus: […] You are in charge of many thousands of living beings. You should gain the affection of men. All men are my children, and just as I desire for my children that they should obtain welfare and happiness both in this world and the next, the same do I desire for all men. [ … ] You should strive to practice impartiality. [ … ] The root of all this is to be even-tempered and not rash in your work. [ … ] This inscription has been engraved here in order that the city magistrates should at all times see to it that men are never imprisoned or tortured without good reason. [ … ] And for this purpose, I shall send out on tour every five years, an officer who is not severe or harsh; who, having investigated this matter, shall see that they carry out my instructions. ”