Mencius said: “What duty is greatest? Serving one’s parents is greatest.What must be guarded above all? Guarding one’s own moral integrity is paramount.I have heard of people with moral integrity can serve their parents well;but I have never heard of anyone of lax morals can do so. There are various kinds of duties. Yet…
Gongsun Chou asked Mencius: “What is the principle behind scholars not seeking audiences with feudal lords?”
When Duke Ding of Teng died, the crown prince (later Duke Wen of Teng) said to his minister Ran You: “Years ago, Mencius taught me in Song, and his words have stayed with me ever since. Now I am so unfortunate as to have lost my father, I would like you to go and…
8.7Master Zeng said, “The true Knight of the Way must perforce be both broad-shouldered and stout of heart; his burden is heavy and he has far to go. For Goodness is the burden he has taken upon himself; and must we not grant that it is a heavy one to bear? Only with death…
8.6Master Zeng said, “The man to whom one could with equal confidence entrust an orphan not yet fully grown or the sovereignty of a whole State, whom the advent of no emergency however great could upset – would such a one be a true gentleman? He I think would be a true gentleman indeed.”