This entry explains idiom “Jun zi zhi jiao dan ru shui”, from both Liji and Zhuangzi. It means noble‑character people’s sincere, value‑based friendship is plain yet enduring, unlike interest‑driven fleeting bonds.
Duke Mu of Lu wanted Gongyi Qian as prime minister via Zisi. Zisi declined to lure the scholar with titles, saying sincere respect instead of material bait was required. Gongyi Qian upheld his integrity and refused officialdom all his life.
Mencius holds benevolence and righteousness grow from extending innate compassion and moral reluctance. Expanding such inner conscience yields endless virtue. He condemns scholars manipulating speech or silence for favor, equating such hypocrisy to theft.
Mencius criticizes fame-driven hypocrites. Such people may surrender a large kingdom for good repute, yet reveal greed and discontent over trivial food gains, showing hollow virtue fails small, unobserved tests.
Mencius states merely feeding others without affection is like raising pigs; affection without respect equals keeping beasts. Genuine respect precedes gifts; hollow polite formalities without sincerity cannot bind a true gentleman.
Mencius states all universal truths dwell within oneself. Self-reflection and genuine sincerity bring supreme inner joy. Practicing reciprocity actively offers the nearest path to cultivating benevolence, the core Confucian virtue.
Mencius states sincerity is fundamental for gentlemen. Without genuine trustworthiness, one cannot uphold moral integrity. This line criticizes the Warring States’ prevalent hypocrisy among scholars who chase fame with empty, unprincipled words.
Mencius accepted gifts from regent Ji Ren and minister Chu Zi but only visited Ji Ren later. He judged ritual sincerity: Ji Ren could not travel, while Chu Zi avoided visiting, making his gift hollow and lacking genuine respect.