“Without rules, a square circle cannot be formed.” This is a famous saying from Mencius.

1. Basic information:

Without rules, you cannot form a square circle

[ bù yǐ guī jǔ, bù néng chéng fāng yuán ]?

2. Basic explanation:

It is a metaphor for following certain rules when doing things.

3. Source:

"Without rules, a square circle cannot be formed" comes from "Li Lou Chapter 1" of "Mencius". Mencius’s cry for those in power to implement benevolent government. It is implemented in two aspects: first, "Dharma before the king"; second, selecting talented people.

The so-called "If you don't follow the rules, you can't make a circle" has become a commonly used aphorism in people's lives.

4. Original text of the work:

Mencius said: "The wisdom of Li Lou and the cleverness of Gongshu Zi cannot form a square circle without following the rules; the wisdom of Shi Kuang cannot form a circle without following the six laws." Zheng Wuyin: The way of Yao and Shun cannot govern the world peacefully without benevolent government. If there is a benevolent heart and benevolent people today but the people are not benefited by it and cannot be followed by future generations, they cannot practice the way of the previous kings. Therefore, it is said that being kind is not enough to govern. "The Book of Songs" says: "If you don't make mistakes, don't forget, follow the old rules." There is no such thing as a sage who has exhausted his eyes and followed the rules and standards, thinking that the square and the circle are straight. , it cannot be used effectively; since the ears and power are exhausted, the six rhythms and the five tones are followed, and it cannot be used effectively; since the mind is exhausted, it is followed by the unbearable government, and benevolence will overwhelm the world. Therefore, it is said that being high must be caused by it. The hills and mountains must be followed by the rivers and lakes; how can it be said that the government is wise if it is not based on the way of the previous kings? Therefore, those who are benevolent should be in high positions. If they are not benevolent and are in high positions, they will spread evil to others, and there will be no way for the people below. To guard, if the government does not believe in the Tao, if the workers do not believe in the integrity, if the gentleman commits righteousness, and if the villain commits punishment, the country will be lucky to survive. Therefore, if the city is not complete, and there are not many soldiers and armor, it is not a disaster for the country; if the fields are not developed, and the goods and wealth are not gathered, it is not a disaster for the country. It's harmful. There's no etiquette at the top, no learning at the bottom, the people are prosperous, and there's no day left. "The poem" says: "The sky is in trouble, and it's like venting." Being rude and speaking is not the way of the former king, and it is also a tattling. Therefore, if you blame me, you call it respectful, if Chen Shan shuts up the evil, you call it respect, but I, the king, cannot call him a thief.

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