Mencius refutes fallacies about Shun’s reign, laying out a classic text-reading rule: grasp authors’ intent beyond literal words. He argues filial piety outweighs royal rank; as Son of Heaven, Shun still showed full reverence to his father Gusou.
Mencius explains Shun wept from sorrowful longing for his unloving parents. Though blessed with wealth, status and the whole realm, no worldly glory eased his pain. Great filial piety lies in lifelong heartfelt yearning for one’s parents.
Mencius said: “When the whole world is delighted and ready to submit to him, Shun regarded this universal acclaim as lightly as a blade of grass or a speck of dust. Only Shun could do this.”