Mencius said, “When addressing the great and powerful, one should mentally look down upon them and not be intimidated by their imposing majesty. Their halls are several ren (an ancient unit of length) high, and their eaves project several feet; if I were to achieve my ambitions, I would never build such extravagant structures. Their dining tables are filled with delicacies stretching a zhang (another ancient unit of length), and they are attended by hundreds of concubines; if I were to achieve my ambitions, I would never indulge in such a luxurious lifestyle. They indulge in drinking and merrymaking, ride out for hunting, and are followed by a thousand chariots; if I were to achieve my ambitions, I would never put on such a grand display. What they possess are all things I would refuse to do; what I uphold are all the ancient laws and principles. Why, then, should I fear them?”
Note
This passage from the Jin Xin II chapter of the Mencius is a classic manifesto showcasing Mencius’ independent personality, unyielding integrity, and moral confidence. Drawing on historical context and Confucian classics, we can understand its underlying thought through the following dimensions:
- Breaking the Superstition of Power and Establishing the Independent Personality of Scholars: “When Addressing the Great and Powerful, One Should Mentally Look Down Upon Them”
During the Warring States period, feudal lords and nobles held absolute power and wealth, and many traveling scholars would grovel and flatter them. Mencius, however, proposed the astonishing statement of “looking down upon them.” This was not born out of arrogance, but to psychologically break the fear and superstition surrounding power. Mencius advocated that true scholars must possess an independent personality, standing on equal spiritual footing with the powerful, and never becoming mere appendages to power. - Resisting “Power” with “The Way” and Constructing Absolute Moral Superiority: “What They Possess Are All Things I Would Refuse to Do”
Through a series of parallel statements (grand halls, exquisite food, hunting), Mencius drew a sharp contrast between the luxurious lives of the nobles and his own moral pursuits. The nobles flaunted the “power” of material wealth and authority, while Mencius steadfastly upheld the “Way” of ancient sage-kings’ laws and benevolence. In Mencius’ value system, morality (the Way) is superior to secular power (Authority). Since he holds the most noble Great Way in the world, there is naturally no reason to feel inferior or fearful in the face of nobles who only possess wealth and power. - The Confidence and Noble Righteousness of the Confucian “Inner Sage and Outer King”: “What I Uphold Are All the Ancient Laws and Principles”
Mencius’ confidence stems from his absolute certainty in his own moral cultivation. The “ancient laws” he speaks of are not merely historical codes, but the benevolence, righteousness, propriety, and wisdom internalized within his heart. This spirit of “not being corrupted by wealth and honor, not swayed by poverty and humble station, and not subdued by power and force” is the concrete manifestation of Mencius’ “noble, righteous spirit.” It tells intellectuals of later generations that as long as one’s heart is filled with the righteous Way, even if one remains an ordinary commoner, their spiritual realm far surpasses that of high-ranking kings and nobles.
孟子曰：“说大人，则藐之，勿视其巍巍然。堂高数仞，榱题数尺，我得志弗为也；食前方丈，侍妾数百人，我得志弗为也；般乐饮酒，驱骋田猎，后车千乘，我得志弗为也。在彼者，皆我所不为也；在我者，皆古之制也，吾何畏彼哉？”
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