Disciple He Ji grieves over widespread slander. Mencius consoles him that such gossip harms nothing, citing two Book of Songs verses: even Confucius and King Wen endured petty men’s resentment yet retained their noble reputations.
Mencius outlines core Confucian cultivation: fully expanding one’s mind reveals inherent good nature, which lets one understand Heaven. Guarding the mind and nurturing nature serves Heaven; steady self-cultivation amid varying life spans fulfills one’s destined mission.