It expounds the basic characteristics of Confucian social ideal of "Great Harmony". Confucius said these words because he lived in a turbulent and chaotic end of the Spring and Autumn Period and longed for a peaceful and prosperous society.
Original text (excerpt)
The trip to the avenue is also for the public, choosing talents and talents, and honesty. An old friend is not only a relative, but also an only child. In this way, the old will have an end, the young will be useful, and the young will be strong. Those who are sorry, widowed, lonely, widowed and disabled will be provided for, and the men will be divided and the women will return.
If the goods are abandoned on the ground, there is no need to hide them on yourself; You don't have to do it for yourself. Therefore, it is called "Datong" to seek closure but not prosperity, and thieves do not do it, so leaving the house is not sealed.
Translation:
The road is implemented, and the world belongs to people. People with high moral character and capable people are selected. Everyone stresses honesty and promotes harmony.
Therefore, people should not only rely on their relatives to support their relatives, but also raise their children, so that the elderly can enjoy their old age, mature people can serve the society, children can grow up healthily, and the elderly without wives, husbands, fathers, children and the disabled can all be supported. Men have jobs and women have homes.
For wealth, people hate throwing it on the ground, but they don't have to hide it themselves; People are willing to do their best for public affairs, not necessarily for their own selfish interests. Therefore, evil conspiracy will not happen, theft, rebellion and injury will not happen, and every household does not have to close the door. This is called an ideal society.
Extended data:
Public-oriented World Subject Thought
On the basis of expounding the basic characteristics of "Datong" society, this paper points out the bright future of "Datong" society. Everyone here can get social care, live and work in peace and contentment, and do their best. This is the lofty social ideal of Confucianism.
This paper compares the real society with the ideal "Datong" society, thus pointing out many phenomena in the real society, such as conspiracy, theft of property, chaos and so on. Will no longer exist in the "Datong" society, but will be replaced by a peaceful and stable situation of "leaving home and not closing the door"
This has reflected the real situation of the real society: social chaos and disorder, turmoil and intrigue, and everyone is in danger; Thieves are rampant and chaos is rampant.
In a word, the ideal society described in this paper reflects the ancient people's yearning for a better society in China. Although the subjective purpose is only to discuss etiquette, explain the ancient system and publicize Confucianism, the social ideal of "Great Harmony" is the ideological wealth left by ancient sages to all mankind more than 2,000 years ago. Reading is thought-provoking and inspiring.
Reference source: Baidu Encyclopedia-Avenue Tour