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The King, the Pond, and the Question That Still Haunts Every Leader
This article explores Mencius’ dialogue with King Hui of Liang by the royal pond. It illustrates that true enjoyment comes from sharing joy with people, comparing King Wen and tyrant Jie, and draws modern‑day parallels.
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Why Mencius Refused to Talk About “Profit”
This article unpacks Mencius’ famous exchange with King Hui of Liang. It explains Mencius opposes putting profit first rather than rejecting it, arguing benevolence‑righteousness yields lasting benefit, with modern real‑world illustrations.
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Written on the Wall at West Forest Temple
— By Su Shi [Song Dynasty] Viewed from the front, it is a mountain range; viewed from the side, towering peaks.From afar, near, high, or low, it always appears different.I cannot recognize Mount Lu’s true face,Simply because I am standing right inside this mountain. Note The Author and the “wall poem” Tradition Su Shi…
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逼上梁山 (Bī shàng Liáng Shān)
Basic Info Figurative Definition It means to be driven by injustice, oppression, or desperate circumstances into rebellion or into doing something one would never have chosen otherwise. The person is not a natural rebel or wrongdoer – they are pushed to the edge until resistance becomes the only option left. It is used to…
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逼良为娼 (Bī liáng wéi chāng)
Basic Info Figurative Definition It describes forcing someone who is innocent, decent, or unwilling to do something degrading, shameful, or wrong – especially when they have no real choice. The literal image is of a woman from a respectable family being coerced into prostitution; the broader meaning is compelling a good person into a…
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笨嘴拙舌 (Bèn zuǐ zhuō shé)
Basic Info Also written as “笨嘴笨舌” (bèn zuǐ bèn shé). The image is of someone whose mouth and tongue refuse to cooperate – words come out fumbling, hesitant, or poorly expressed. Figurative Definition It describes a person who is not good with words – inarticulate, tongue-tied, or lacking eloquence. Such a person may have…