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Mencius – Chapter 14.32
Mencius states fine words carry deep truths through plain speech; sound principles bring wide good with simple rules. Gentlemen cultivate themselves to pacify the world, criticizing those who ignore self-cultivation yet harshly demand virtue from others.
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Mencius – Chapter 14.31
Mencius holds benevolence and righteousness grow from extending innate compassion and moral reluctance. Expanding such inner conscience yields endless virtue. He condemns scholars manipulating speech or silence for favor, equating such hypocrisy to theft.
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Mencius – Chapter 14.30
When straw sandals vanish at Mencius’ lodging, people suspect his students. Mencius holds an inclusive teaching ethos: he never chases departing pupils nor turns away earnest learners, tolerating flawed newcomers while trusting his school’s moral integrity.
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Mencius – Chapter 14.29
Mencius foretold Peng Chengkuo’s execution. Though the official had minor talent, he lacked the gentleman’s moral Way. Mencius warns cleverness without core virtue leads people to ruin amid dangerous political struggles.
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Mencius – Chapter 14.28
Mencius states lords’ three genuine treasures are land, people and state governance. Rulers who value pearls and jade above these essentials will court calamity, embodying his people-first governance and righteousness-over-gain principle.
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Mencius – Chapter 14.27
Mencius outlines three state levies: fabric, grain and labor. Wise rulers impose only one and ease the rest. Dual levies cause starvation; all three tear families apart, embodying his light-tax, people-centered benevolent governance.