孟子   By: Unknown (372? BC - 289? BC)

"Mengzi, a collection of philosophical dialogues attributed to the ancient Chinese philosopher Mengzi, offers valuable insights into human nature, ethics, and leadership. The text presents a nuanced exploration of virtues such as benevolence, righteousness, ritual propriety, wisdom, and sincerity, drawing on anecdotes and allegories to illustrate its key points. Mengzi's teachings emphasize the importance of self-cultivation, moral integrity, and empathy in guiding one's actions and interactions with others. While some may find the language and concepts challenging, the timeless wisdom contained within this work makes it a must-read for anyone interested in classical Chinese philosophy."

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卷之一梁惠王上 　　一 　　孟子見梁惠王。王曰：「叟不遠千里而來，亦將有以利吾國乎？」孟子對曰：「王 何必曰利？亦有仁義而已矣。王曰『何以利吾國』？大夫曰『何以利吾家』？士庶人曰 『何以利吾身』？上下交征利而國危矣。萬乘之國弒其君者，必千乘之家；千乘之國弒 其君者，必百乘之家。萬取千焉，千取百焉，不為不多矣。苟為後義而先利，不奪不饜 。未有仁而遺其親者也，未有義而後其君者也。王亦曰仁義而已矣，何必曰利？」 　　二 　　孟子見梁惠王，王立於沼上，顧鴻鴈麋鹿，曰：「賢者亦樂此乎？」 　　孟子對曰：「賢者而後樂此，不賢者雖有此，不樂也。詩云：『經始靈臺，經之營 之，庶民攻之，不日成之。經始勿亟，庶民子來。王在靈囿，麀鹿攸伏，麀鹿濯濯，白 鳥鶴鶴。王在靈沼，於牣魚躍。』文王以民力為臺�... Continue reading book >>