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Mencius – Chapter 3.7 Benevolence as Vocation and Virtue
Mencius said: “Is the arrow-maker really less humane than the armor-maker?”
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Mencius – Chapter 3.6 The Four Sprouts of Humanity
Mencius said: “Everyone possesses a heart that cannot bear to see others suffer. The ancient sage-kings had this very ‘heart of not bearing the suffering of others,’ and thus they implemented policies that reflected that compassion.
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Mencius – Chapter 3.5 Winning hearts of the people
Mencius said: “If a state respects the virtuous and employs the capable, placing outstanding individuals in office, then scholars throughout the land will rejoice and wish to serve in its court.”
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Mencius – Chapter 3.4 Honor through Benevolence, Disaster through Complacency
Mencius said, “Benevolence brings glory, whereas its absence leads to disgrace. Now people hate disgrace and benevolence, just like those who hate dampness but live in a low-lying area.
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Mencius – Chapter 3.3 Virtue over Force: True Kingship
Mencius said: “He who uses force under the guise of benevolence achieves hegemony. Hegemony requires a great state. But he who practices benevolence through virtue achieves true kingship – and kingship does not depend on size. King Tang ruled with only seventy li of territory; King Wen with only a hundred li.”