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 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.
Mencius praises Liu Xiahui, who refused to trade his unwavering moral integrity for the supreme rank of Three High Ministers. It highlights that inner uprightness is priceless and unshakable, far above worldly power and glory.
Mencius criticizes Yang’s egoism and Mo’s indiscriminate universal love as two extremes. Though Zi Mo’s moderation is better, rigid adherence without flexible judgment still distorts the all-round Dao by fixating on one single standpoint.
Mencius draws a sharp contrast: diligent people pursuing goodness follow Sage Shun, while those chasing profit resemble bandit Zhi. The core divide between noble and base lies solely in one’s inner motive: virtue or self-interest.
Mencius uses vivid metaphors: higher vistas broaden one’s mind, and sage learning overshadows trivial doctrines. Like water filling hollows before flowing, moral seekers must steadily accumulate virtue and knowledge to reach full attainment.