Mencius distinguishes secular desires, worldly joys and unchanging inner nature. Benevolence, righteousness, ritual and wisdom rooted in the heart stay steady through success or poverty, shining naturally in one’s bearing and gestures.
Mencius distinguishes two pursuits. Inner virtues like benevolence are fully attainable through personal effort. External wealth and status demand proper ways yet rely on fate, so one cannot guarantee gaining them.
Confucius states people with smooth, flattering words and artificial manners rarely possess genuine benevolence. He stresses sincere inner virtue over deliberate outward pretence, warning against hypocrisy that masks selfishness and distorts true morality.
The Master said, “In ancient times, scholars studied to cultivate themselves; nowadays, scholars study to impress others.”
The Master said, “Is someone praised merely because his words sound sincere and earnest? Is he truly a noble person (junzi), or just someone who puts on a solemn appearance?”
Mencius said: “Rituals that are not truly ritual, and righteousness that is not truly righteous – these are things a noble person will never do.”