This classical Chinese is from Mencius Teng Wengong, and the full text is as follows:
Jingchun said, "Aren't Gongsun Yan and Zhang Yi loyal men? Anger is the fear of the princes, and peace is the destruction of the world. " Mencius said, "A gentleman is a gentleman. Haven't you learned manners? The husband's crown is also the father's life; When the woman got married, she was sent to the door by her mother, and was warned:' When you go to your daughter's house, you must be respectful and restrained, without violating your master's intention!' He who takes obedience as the right path is also a concubine.
Live in the world, stand in the right position in the world and be the best in the world; Success, with the people; Go your own way when you are frustrated. Wealth can't be lewd, poverty can't be moved, and power can't be bent. This is called a gentleman. "
Jingchun said, "Aren't Gongsun Yan and Zhang Yi real men? When they are angry, the princes are afraid; If they live in their own homes, the world will be peaceful. "
Mencius said, "How can this be regarded as a gentleman? Haven't you learned manners? When the man was crowned, his father punished him; When the woman got married, her mother instructed her to walk her to the door and warned her:' When you arrive at your home, you must be respectful, be careful and don't disobey your husband!' Obedience is the greatest principle, which is the truth that women follow.
Living in the most spacious house in the world-Ren, standing in the most correct position in the world-Li, walking on the widest road in the world-Yi.
When you can realize your ideal, you should follow the right path with the people. If you can't realize your ideal, you should walk on this right path alone. Wealth can't confuse his thoughts, poverty can't change his ethics, and power can't yield to his will. This is called a gentleman. "
Classical Chinese analysis
Mencius mentioned these famous three sentences when he talked with the militarist disciple Jing Chun about "what is a gentleman". In Mencius' view, the real "gentleman" should not be based on the level of power, but should be able to stabilize the "moral anchor" in his heart. In the face of different life situations such as wealth, poverty and power, he can adhere to the principle of "benevolence, righteousness and propriety" and advance and retreat with Tao.
Every sentence of Mencius' famous saying about "gentleman" shines with the power of thought and personality, which inspires many people with lofty ideals in history and becomes their motto of upholding justice without fear of violence. Until now, when we read this book, it seems that we can still hear his golden voice.