Mencius distinguishes human nature and fate. Sensory desires are innate yet limited by fate, so gentlemen do not prioritize them. Moral virtues lie in innate nature despite external constraints, so people must persist in cultivating them rather than yielding to fate.
All people crave honor, yet genuine nobility lies in inner morality rather than worldly status granted by nobles like Zhao Meng, who can revoke such glory. Fully fulfilled with benevolence and righteousness, one transcends material vanity and external praise.
Mencius uses fish and bear paws to illustrate choosing righteousness over life. All people possess this innate moral dignity, seen in starving folks rejecting insulting food. Many lose their original conscience by accepting lavish wealth against moral principles.
Man must keep his mind wide open, so that righteousness can take up its dwelling there.