Excerpt from Mencius and His Disciples "Mencius Teng Wengong" during the Warring States Period, excerpt from the original text:
Live in a vast place in the world, stand in the right position in the world and be the best self 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.
Translation:
A gentleman should live in the widest house (benevolence), stand in the most upright position (courtesy) and take the most upright road (righteousness). When you succeed, follow the people on the right path; When frustrated, a person goes his own way. Wealth cannot confuse his thoughts, poverty cannot shake his integrity, and power cannot bend his will. This is an ambitious and accomplished man.
Extended data
Creative background:
The article is selected from Xia's book Mencius. About 372-289 years ago, it belongs to pre-Qin prose. The works illustrate the truth through the quotations of Mencius talking with people, and the images are vivid.
Theme appreciation:
The argument in the article skillfully uses the method of logical reasoning, and Mencius skillfully uses analogical reasoning, often playing hard to get, repeatedly asking questions, and circling the other side to his preset conclusion.
The author puts forward a real man's way in tit for tat, warning people that wealth and power can't make their words and actions surpass common sense. Mencius' famous saying about "gentleman" inspired many people with lofty ideals in history and became their motto of not fearing violence and upholding justice.
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