Mencius notes Sage Shun was barely distinguishable from mountain villagers at first. Yet upon encountering any kind word or virtuous act, his innate goodness surged forth irresistibly, showing how responsiveness to good differentiates sages from common folk.
Mencius said: “Everyone possesses a heart that cannot bear to see others suffer. The ancient sage-kings had this very ‘heart of not bearing the suffering of others,’ and thus they implemented policies that reflected that compassion.