SuaveG – The Gentle Path

Chinese mythology, folktales, and literature

Mencius

  • Mencius – Chapter 13.39

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    Ana

    Mencius differentiates two mourning cases. Those who voluntarily cut mourning deserve rebuke; those blocked by rules to observe full rites merit praise for any mourning they can manage, embodying flexible moral judgment.

  • Mencius – Chapter 13.38

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    Ana

    Human bodily form is innate nature, yet only sages fully realize it. Through lifelong moral cultivation, their inner virtues permeate every part of their physique, achieving perfect harmony between outward appearance and inner spiritual essence.

  • Mencius – Chapter 13.37

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    Ana

    Mencius states merely feeding others without affection is like raising pigs; affection without respect equals keeping beasts. Genuine respect precedes gifts; hollow polite formalities without sincerity cannot bind a true gentleman.

  • Mencius – Chapter 13.36

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    Ana

    Mencius observes environment shapes one’s bearing, as royal status alters princes’ demeanors. He stresses far nobler spiritual cultivation: dwelling in benevolence, the grandest abode, yields lasting moral aura surpassing worldly nobility.

  • Mencius – Chapter 13.35

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    Ana

    Tao Ying raises an ethical dilemma: if Shun’s father murdered someone, justice must arrest him. Yet Shun would abandon his throne like worn sandals, secretly carry his father away, prioritizing filial piety without violating judicial impartiality.

  • 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.