Mencius states scholars may take low-paid minor posts to escape poverty, as Confucius did managing stores and pastures. Two moral rules apply: low-ranking officials must not meddle in state affairs, while high officials shame themselves if they fail to uphold their ideals.
The Master said, “In serving a ruler, attend to your duties with reverence first, and place your salary second.”
The Master said, “People of the south have a saying: ‘A person without constancy cannot even become a shaman or physician.’ How excellent this saying is!”He then quoted the Book of Changes: “If one does not maintain his virtue consistently, he will surely bring shame upon himself.”The Master added, “Such a person need not…