Mencius differentiates heavenly moral ranks and secular official ranks. The ancients cultivated inner virtues naturally gaining status, while modern people practice morality only for office then abandon virtue, which will bring total loss in the end.
Master You said,”In your promises cleave to what is right, and you will be able to fulfill your word; In your obeisances cleave to ritual, and you will keep dishonour at bay; In the partnership, choose those conversant ones, as they can stand the test of time. “