The Master said, “It is humanity that enlarges the Way, not the Way that enlarges humanity.”
Mencius said: “Rituals that are not truly ritual, and righteousness that is not truly righteous – these are things a noble person will never do.”
Mencius said: “If a ruler executes scholar-officials without just cause, then high ministers may leave the state.If a ruler massacres common people without guilt, then scholar-officials (educated individuals) may relocate to another country.”
Jing Chun said: “Aren’t Gongsun Yan and Zhang Yi truly great men? When they get angry, feudal lords tremble; when they stay at ease, wars across the world cease.”
Mencius said to Chi Wa: “You resigned your post as magistrate of Lingqiu and requested to become Chief Justice – a reasonable move, since that position allows you to speak directly to the ruler. But now several months have passed. Haven’t you had a chance to speak your mind yet?”
Mencius said: “Is the arrow-maker really less humane than the armor-maker?”
Duke Ping of Lu was about to set out when his favorite courtier, Zang Cang, asked: “Usually, Your Lordship informs the officials of your destination before leaving. Now your carriage is ready, yet no one knows where you’re going. May I ask?”
6.9 The Ji Family wanted to make Min Ziqian governor of Mi.