quote · Legacy record
We can see that one is without the feeling of sympathy, one is not a human. The great man is he who still retains the innocent heart of a child. When his wishes were to be realized, he passes on virtue to people. When he is unable to realize his wishes, he stands to his principle alone. Riches and honor can’t make his heart sway. Poverty and destitution can’t modify his integrity. Force can’t subdue his will. Then he can be called a true man. To feed someone and not respect him is as raising pigs. To love someone and not respect him is as keeping pets. When those in inferior posts do not obtain the confidence of those in higher positions, they can’t succeed in government. What is the business of the unemployed scholar? It is to elevate his ideal. There has never been a benevolent person who neglected his parents or an upright person who slighted his lord. They constantly respect him who respects others.
We can see that one is without the feeling of sympathy, one is not a human. The great man is he who still retains the innocent heart of a child. When his wishes were to be realized, he passes on virtue to people. When he is unable to realize his wishes, he stands to his principle alone. Riches and honor can’t make his heart sway. Poverty and destitution can’t modify his integrity. Force can’t subdue his will. Then he can be called a true man. To feed someone and not respect him is as raising pigs. To love someone and not respect him is as keeping pets. When those in inferior posts do not obtain the confidence of those in higher positions, they can’t succeed in government. What is the business of the unemployed scholar? It is to elevate his ideal. There has never been a benevolent person who neglected his parents or an upright person who slighted his lord. They constantly respect him who respects others.
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- Author or tradition
- Mencius
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- Contributor-provided wisdom reference (2014 AD)
Supplied reference B; unit 1057; PDF page 118; printed attribution: Meng Ke or Mencius
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