SuaveG – The Gentle Path

Chinese mythology, folktales, and literature

ethical autonomy

  • The Analects – Chapter 15.36

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    The Master said, “When confronted with an act of humaneness, do not yield even to your teacher.”

  • The Analects – Chapter 15.28

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    The Master said, “If everyone dislikes someone, you must investigate carefully; if everyone likes someone, you must also investigate carefully.”

  • The Analects – Chapter 14.37

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    The Master said, “The most virtuous withdraw from the world entirely; the next withdraw from a particular state; the next avoid disrespectful looks; and the next avoid offensive words.”The Master added, “There have already been seven such people.”

  • The Analects – Chapter 14.35

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    The Master sighed, “No one truly understands me!”Zigong asked, “Why is it that no one understands you?”The Master replied, “I do not blame Heaven, nor do I resent others. I study what is below and thereby penetrate what is above. Perhaps only Heaven truly understands me!”

  • Doctrine of the Mean Chapter 14. At ease in every station

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    The gentleman acts according to his present station and does not desire what lies beyond it.If he is in wealth and honor, he acts accordingly;if in poverty and lowliness, he acts accordingly;if among barbarians, he acts accordingly;if in distress and adversity, he acts accordingly.Thus, the gentleman is at ease wherever he finds himself.

  • Great Learning Chapter 5. Illumination of innate virtue

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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…

  • Mencius – Chapter 7.21 Undeserved praise and Unfair blame

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    Mencius said: “There is undeserved praise, and there is destructive criticism born of impossible expectations.”