Mencius stresses self-clarity first: virtuous people gain full understanding themselves before enlightening others. He criticizes those confused yet eager to guide others, highlighting self-cultivation as the foundation of teaching and governance.
Zi Zhang asked about clarity (or discernment). The Master said, “If insidious slander—like water slowly soaking in—and urgent, emotionally charged accusations—like a wound to the skin—cannot take hold with you, you may be called ming. If such slander and complaints find no traction in you, you may also be called farsighted.”