Mencius names three supreme joys for gentlemen, excluding worldly kingship: intact family, a clear conscience with no shame before heaven and men, and nurturing talented pupils to carry forward moral truths.
Mencius simplifies moral self-cultivation into two core restraints: refrain from wrongful deeds and reject improper cravings. This minimalist practice relies on inner conscience to guard one’s heart, forming the plain yet fundamental standard of being a virtuous person.
Mencius stresses shame as humanity’s moral baseline. Feeling ashamed of shamelessness awakens one’s conscience and eliminates disgrace. This teaching criticizes utilitarian, unscrupulous Warring States scholars and advocates inner integrity.
Sima Niu asked about the noble person (junzi). The Master said, “The noble person has no anxiety and no fear.”He asked further, “Is being free from anxiety and fear alone enough to be called a noble person?”The Master replied, “When one examines oneself inwardly and finds no guilt, what is there to worry or…
Confucius said:“In hearing lawsuits, I am no different from others – but what I truly aim for is that there be no lawsuits at all!”
Those who preserve their moral integrity suffer only fleeting loneliness. But eternal wretchedness awaits those who toady to the powerful.