Chinese mythology, folktales, and literature
Mencius explains Confucius’ character hierarchy: ideal moderate people, then aspiring bold men and principled cautious ones. He fiercely condemns unprincipled conformist “village worthies” as hypocrites who corrupt true virtue by pleasing all.
Mencius said: “Trying to subdue others merely by displaying one’s own goodness has never truly won their submission. Only by using goodness to nurture and uplift others can one gain the willing allegiance of all under heaven. There has never been a ruler who became a true king without the heartfelt obedience of the…