people-centered rule

  • Mencius – Chapter 1.6 The vision of peace in an age of bloodshed

    Mencius went to see King Xiang of Liang. Coming out from the interview, he said to his companion, “When I looked at him from a distance, he did not appear to be a sovereign; when I came up to him, I found nothing about him that inspired respect. “

  • Mencius – Chapter 1.5 The invincible power of benevolence

    King Hui of Liang said to Mencius, “In the world there was not a stronger state than mine, as you, venerable sir, know, but during my reign, we have been defeated by the State of Qi on the east with my eldest son’s life sacrificed there; on the west we have lost seven hundred…

  • Mencius – Chapter 1.4 Killing by Policy

    King Hui of Liang, weary from years of military defeats and dwindling influence, sat in his palace with an unusual humility. After hearing Mencius speak of benevolent governance and the futility of comparing himself to neighboring rulers – “fifty paces laughing at a hundred” – the king finally lowered his royal pride.