Mencius’ famous aphorisms

1. Don’t rely on elders, don’t rely on nobles, and don’t rely on brothers to be friends.

2. If it is not contrary to the farming season, the grain will not be enough to eat; if a few grains of grain are not entered into the pond, the fish and turtles will not be enough to eat; if the ax and catty are brought into the forest at the right time, the timber will not be enough to be used. The grain, fish and turtles cannot be eaten, and the wood cannot be used, so that the people can live and die without regret.

3. It is better to have no books than to believe in all the books.

4. Those who have gained the right will receive many help, while those who have lost the right will receive little help.

5. Power, then know the severity; degree, then know the length.

6. Heaven descends upon the people to serve as kings and teachers, only to say that they are helped by God and favored by them.

7. A gentleman does not complain about heaven or others.

8. If the king regards his ministers as his hands and feet, then his ministers will regard him as his heart; if his ministers regard his ministers as dogs and horses, then his ministers will regard him as his countrymen; if his ministers regard his ministers as earth and mustard, then his ministers will regard him as their own. foe.

9. Fish is what I want, and bear’s paws are also what I want; you cannot have both, and you would give up fish and take bear’s paws. Life is what I want, and righteousness is also what I want. You cannot have both, and you have to sacrifice life for righteousness.

10. If you say that you are a great person, you will despise it, but do not regard it as majestic.