The Master said:“The Way is not distant from people.If one pursues the Way in a way that estranges it from human life, it cannot be called the true Way.”
Mencius said: “What distinguishes the noble person from ordinary people lies in what they hold in their heart. The noble person keeps benevolence and ritual propriety in mind. One who embodies benevolence loves others; one who embodies ritual respects others. Those who love others are constantly loved in return; those who respect others are…
Mencius said: “If you love others but they do not respond with closeness, reflect on whether your own benevolence is genuine.If you govern people but fail to bring order, reflect on whether your wisdom is sufficient.If you treat others with ritual propriety but receive no response, reflect on whether your reverence is sincere.”
Mencius visited Pinglu in the state of Qi and said to its local magistrate, Kong Juxin: “If one of your soldiers who stands guard with a halberd deserts his post three times in a single day, would you dismiss him?”
7.22 The Master said,”Even when walking in a party of no more than three I can always be certain of learning from those I am with. There will be good qualities that I can select for imitation and bad ones that will teach me what requires correction in myself.”
6.3 Duke Ai asked which of the disciples had a love of learning.