Mencius states lords’ three genuine treasures are land, people and state governance. Rulers who value pearls and jade above these essentials will court calamity, embodying his people-first governance and righteousness-over-gain principle.
Mencius puts forward his core people-first idea: people rank highest, state shrines second, rulers least. Leaders who lose public support may be replaced; even state deities can be discarded if they fail to protect people from disasters.
Mencius states rulers may seize single states through cruelty and force, yet no one can gain lasting rule over the whole realm without benevolence. True universal governance relies on moral virtue rather than violent power.
Mencius condemns boasting military skill as a great sin. A benevolent ruler wins universal longing without fierce battles. A punitive campaign means rectifying tyranny; people welcome such righteous forces, so brutal warfare is unnecessary.
Mencius states true friendship centers on virtue, free from status, age or power. He cites nobles and rulers treating virtuous men as equals, arguing genuine respect from lords means granting them political authority, balancing honoring superiors and worthy subordinates.
Mencius explains Shun enfeoffed his murderous brother Xiang out of fraternal love yet stripped him of real power via appointed officials, balancing kin affection and public justice. Shun met Xiang often under political pretexts to sustain their bond.