Mencius said:
“There is undeserved praise, and there is destructive criticism born of impossible expectations.”
孟子曰：「有不虞之譽，有求全之毀。」
In other words:
- Sometimes people receive excessive praise for things they didn’t truly earn (“undeserved praise”).
- Other times, despite doing well, they are harshly condemned simply because others demand perfection (“destructive criticism from those who expect flawlessness”).
This shows that public judgment is often unfair – praise can be unearned, and blame can be unjustly harsh.
Note
This saying from Mencius: Li Lou I offers profound insight into the irrationality of public opinion and the psychological challenges of moral living.
“Undeserved Praise” – The danger of unearned fame
Unexpected acclaim may inflate ego and distract from genuine self-cultivation. Confucian tradition warns against accepting credit one doesn’t merit. A true gentleman remains humble even when praised.
“Destructive criticism from perfectionism” – The injustice of impossible standards
Demanding flawlessness ignores human fallibility. Condemning someone for minor faults while ignoring their overall virtue violates the Confucian spirit of benevolence.
Inner steadfastness
The ideal person neither delights in unwarranted praise nor is shaken by unfair blame. As Mencius elsewhere says:
“When your efforts fail, look inward.”
Moral worth is measured by alignment with the Dao, not public opinion.
In the Warring States era where fame determined a scholar’s fate, Mencius offered spiritual armor: stay grounded in principle, not popularity.
In essence: Praise and blame are fickle winds; the wise build their house on the rock of principle.
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