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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…
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Following in the footsteps of Confucius, Mencius (Mengzi, 372–289 BCE) stands as the second great sage of Confucianism, whose teachings solidified and expanded the philosophical system laid by his predecessor. His work, Mencius, a collection of dialogues, debates, and moral arguments, is not merely a supplement to The Analects – it is a foundational…
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Chu Zi asked Mencius: “The king sent someone to secretly observe you – does he really have any qualities that make him different from ordinary people?”
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Mencius said: “A truly noble person is one who has not lost the heart of a newborn child.”
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Mencius said: “One who harms himself cannot be reasoned with; one who abandons himself cannot be partnered with in meaningful action.”