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Doctrine of the Mean Chapter 22. From preparation to perseverance in the path of self-cultivation
In all things, preparation leads to success; without preparation, there is failure.If one’s words are settled in advance, one will not stumble in speech;if one’s affairs are planned in advance, one will not be perplexed;if one’s actions are resolved in advance, one will not feel remorse;if one’s path is determined in advance, one will…
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Doctrine of the Mean Chapter 21. The Nine Constant Principles of Governance
The Master said:“Loving learning brings one near to wisdom;exerting oneself in practice brings one near to benevolence;knowing shame brings one near to courage.”
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Doctrine of the Mean Chapter 20. Governance begins with the self: The unity of ethics, ritual, and cosmic order
Duke Ai asked about governance.The Master said:“The policies of Kings Wen and Wu are recorded in books and documents.Yet, when the right people are present, their policies flourish;when those people are gone, their policies cease.”
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Doctrine of the Mean Chapter 18. Ritual, Filial Universality, and the Zhou Legacy
The Master said:“Who but King Wen could be truly free from worry?He had King Ji as his father and King Wu as his son –his father initiated the enterprise, and his son carried it forward.”
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Doctrine of the Mean Chapter 17. Virtue and the Mandate of Heaven
The Master said:“Was Shun not the epitome of filial piety?His virtue made him a sage; his honor made him Son of Heaven;he possessed the wealth of all within the Four Seas.He is honored in ancestral temples, and his descendants preserve his legacy.