SuaveG – The Gentle Path

Chinese mythology, folktales, and literature

  • Mencius – Chapter 13.34

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    Ana

    Mencius criticizes Chen Zhongzi’s superficial integrity. His refusal of Qi’s throne is only trivial righteousness, yet he abandoned family and social ethics. One cannot judge a person’s core virtue merely by small, self-serving moral acts.

  • Mencius – Chapter 13.33

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    Ana

    Prince Dian asks scholars’ core pursuit. Mencius answers elevating aspirations, rooted in benevolence and righteousness. Never kill innocents or seize others’ goods; dwell in benevolence and walk righteously to fulfill a noble person’s mission.

  • Mencius – Chapter 13.32

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    Ana

    Gongsun Chou questions why scholars eat without farming. Mencius argues their governance stabilizes states and their teachings nurture filial, loyal youth. Their spiritual and political contributions make their labor far more valuable than farming.

  • Mencius – Chapter 13.31

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    Ana

    Gongsun Chou asks if ministers may exile unworthy kings, citing Yi Yin’s case. Mencius replies such extreme acts are legitimate only with Yi Yin’s selfless public devotion; without pure motives, they amount to treasonous usurpation.

  • Mencius – Chapter 13.30

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    Ana

    Mencius divides moral levels: Yao and Shun hold virtue naturally; Tang and Wu attain it via self-cultivation; Five Hegemons only borrow morality for power. Yet long-term virtuous practice may turn borrowed goodness into genuine inner virtue.

  • Mencius – Chapter 13.29

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    Ana

    Mencius uses digging a well as a metaphor: even after digging nine ren deep, quitting before striking spring water renders all labor futile. It stresses perseverance to the very end, warning against half-finished efforts in self-cultivation and undertakings.