Mencius uses vivid metaphors: higher vistas broaden one’s mind, and sage learning overshadows trivial doctrines. Like water filling hollows before flowing, moral seekers must steadily accumulate virtue and knowledge to reach full attainment.
Ziyou criticizes Zixia’s students for only mastering trivial daily etiquette yet lacking core moral roots. Zixia refutes that teaching follows a natural order, starting with basics before profound truths; only sages can seamlessly integrate fundamentals and superficial practices.