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Mencius – Chapter 12.16
Mencius holds teaching has diverse approaches. Even refusing to teach out of disdain counts as education, stirring students’ shame and self-reflection. This silent correction upholds the dignity of the Way and works better than tedious lectures.
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Mencius – Chapter 12.15
Citing six heroes elevated from hardship, Mencius states adversity tempers character and builds capability. People grow through mistakes and struggles; states without critics or external threats collapse. Thus hardship sustains life, ease brings ruin.
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Mencius – Chapter 12.14
To Chen Zi’s question, Mencius lays out three tiers for scholars to take or quit office, prioritizing rulers’ respect and willingness to implement their Way. Relief to escape starvation is acceptable only as a last resort.
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Mencius – Chapter 12.13
Mencius rejoices at Yuezheng Zi’s appointment solely for his willingness to accept good advice. Open rulers attract virtuous counselors; arrogant ones drive them away, leaving only flatterers, which dooms good governance.
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Mencius – Chapter 12.12
Mencius states sincerity is fundamental for gentlemen. Without genuine trustworthiness, one cannot uphold moral integrity. This line criticizes the Warring States’ prevalent hypocrisy among scholars who chase fame with empty, unprincipled words.
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Mencius – Chapter 12.11
Bai Gui claims his flood control surpasses Yu the Great. Mencius disagrees: Yu diverted floods to the seas naturally, while Bai Gui channels floods into neighboring states. Such harmful zero-sum tactics are detested by benevolent men.