Mencius said: “The noble person pursues deep learning through the proper Way, aiming to attain understanding on their own. When one truly grasps it from within, they can dwell in it with peace; dwelling in it with peace leads to profound accumulation; and with profound accumulation, one can draw upon it freely and abundantly…
Mencius said: “A truly noble person does not always insist on keeping every promise or carrying every action to completion – what matters is whether it aligns with righteousness.”
Mencius said, “If one speaks of others’ faults without restraint, how should they face the consequences that follow?”
Mencius said: “What duty is greatest? Serving one’s parents is greatest.What must be guarded above all? Guarding one’s own moral integrity is paramount.I have heard of people with moral integrity can serve their parents well;but I have never heard of anyone of lax morals can do so. There are various kinds of duties. Yet…
Mencius said: “Ran Qiu served as steward to the powerful Ji family in Lu.Not only did he fail to help them improve their virtue, but he actually doubled their grain taxes.”
Gongsun Chou asked Mencius: “What is the principle behind scholars not seeking audiences with feudal lords?”