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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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If one wishes to understand Chinese culture, values, and the way of thinking that has shaped billions of people for over 2,000 years, The Analects (Lunyu in Chinese) is an indispensable book. Compiled by the disciples of Confucius (Kongzi, 551–479 BCE) and their followers, this collection of dialogues, sayings, and anecdotes is not just…
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In the state of Qi, there was a man who lived with one wife and one concubine. Every time he went out, he always returned home full of wine and meat. His wife asked him, “Who did you eat and drink with?” He always replied, “All wealthy and noble people.”
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Mencius said: “A truly noble person does not always insist on keeping every promise or carrying every action to completion – what matters is whether it aligns with righteousness.”
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5.28 The Master said, “In a hamlet of ten houses you may be sure of finding someone quite as loyal and true to his word as I. But I doubt if you would find anyone with such a love of learning.”
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It is better to incur hatred by one’s upright conduct than to please others by perverting your morals.
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Never transgress against public opinion which is in line with righteousness; to do so is to bring everlasting shame on oneself.
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A supposedly virtuous man who pretends to do good deeds is no better than a selfish scoundrel.