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The Qin Shi (in the Book of Documents) says:“If there is a minister – simple and sincere, possessing no special talents,yet his heart is broad, peaceful, and truly capacious.When others have ability, he rejoices as if it were his own;when others are virtuous and wise, he genuinely admires them,praising them even more fervently than…
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What is meant by “governing the state must begin with regulating one’s family” is this:There has never been anyone who could not teach his own family yet was able to instruct others.
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The Kang Gao (in the Book of Documents) says: “Be able to manifest your bright virtue.”The Tai Jia says: “Constantly reflect upon and uphold Heaven’s bright mandate.”The Di Dian (i.e., the Yao Dian) says: “Be able to illuminate your lofty and luminous virtue.” All of these point to self-illumination – making one’s own inner…
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Mencius said: “Can one reason with those unbenevolent men?They feel secure in danger, profit from disasters, and even take pleasure in the very things that will destroy them.If such people could still be reasoned with, how could there ever be ruined states or broken families?”
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Wan Zhang asked Mencius: “Song is a small state. If it now implements kingly governance (benevolent governance), and Qi and Chu resent it and attack – what should it do?”
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When the crown prince of Teng (later Duke Wen of Teng) was traveling to Chu, he passed through Song and went to see Mencius.
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King Xuan of Qi asked, “Is there a proper way of developing good relations with the neighboring states?”