Mencius said:
“Bo Yi fled from the tyrant King Zhou and lived by the shores of the North Sea.
Taigong (Jiang Ziya) also fled from Zhou and lived by the shores of the East Sea.”
“When they heard that King Wen of Zhou had risen to power in the west, both men stood up and exclaimed:
‘Why not go join him?
We’ve heard that the Western Earl (Chief of the West, King Wen) is exceptionally good at caring for the elderly!’These two elders were the most revered sages in the world.
When they went to join King Wen, it was as if all the fathers of the world had gone to him.And if all the fathers of the world follow him, where can their children possibly go?
Therefore, if any feudal lord today truly practices King Wen’s policies, within seven years, he will surely rule the whole empire!”
孟子曰：「伯夷辟紂，居北海之濱，聞文王作，興曰：『盍歸乎來！吾聞西伯善養老者。』太公辟紂，居東海之濱，聞文王作，興曰：『盍歸乎來！吾聞西伯善養老者。』二老者，天下之大老也，而歸之，是天下之父歸之也。天下之父歸之，其子焉往？諸侯有行文王之政者，七年之內，必為政於天下矣。」
Note
This passage from Mencius: Li Lou I uses the story of Bo Yi and Taigong to illustrate a central Confucian political principle: benevolent governance attracts moral authority, and moral authority wins the hearts of the people – thereby securing the empire.
“Caring for the Elderly” as the symbol of Benevolent Rule
In ancient China, state-sponsored eldercare reflected a ruler’s virtue. King Wen’s reputation for “caring well for the aged” signaled his commitment to ritual, respect for wisdom, and compassion – core elements of benevolent governance. This single policy became a powerful magnet for talent and loyalty.
Moral authority over military power
Boyi (Bo Yi, a paragon of purity) and Taigong (a master strategist) represented opposite ends of the moral-intellectual spectrum. Their simultaneous decision to join King Wen demonstrated that virtue unites diverse talents, earns genuine authority, unlike force, which only coerces.
The logic of popular consent
By calling them “the fathers of the world,” Mencius framed their allegiance as a proxy for universal approval. The rhetorical question – “Where can their children go?” – captures the inevitability of mass following: when moral exemplars choose a ruler, the people naturally follow.
The practical efficacy of benevolence
Contrary to the belief that morality is impractical, Mencius boldly claims that authentic benevolent governance yields rapid political results. The “seven years” may allude to historical or ritual time frames, but its purpose is clear: benevolence rule works faster than war.
Historical critique of Warring States realpolitik
Amid an era obsessed with armies and alliances, Mencius insisted that true strength lies in moral credibility. King Wen won without conquest; he attracted the best minds by embodying care.
Modern Relevance: Soft power and Institutional warmth
Today, “caring for the elderly” symbolizes a society’s commitment to intergenerational justice, dignity, and social safety nets. Mencius’s insight endures: the most resilient political legitimacy arises not from fear, but from felt humanity.
In essence, this passage teaches: Great leaders don’t chase followers – they become worthy of being followed.
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