Chinese mythology, folktales, and literature
Mencius uses ripe grain as a metaphor: though grain seeds are superior, unripe grains are worse than weeds. Humans all possess innate benevolence, yet only consistent cultivation to fully mature one’s virtue yields genuine benevolence.
Zilu meets a farming hermit who mocks scholars for avoiding labor yet treats Zilu politely. When Zilu returns, the hermit has left. Zilu argues seclusion abandons ruler-minister ethics; gentlemen serve to uphold righteousness even knowing their ideals will fail.