Losing One’s Place in the Ranks

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English translation

Original Chinese text

English translation

Mencius went to Pinglu and said to its governor: “If one of your halberd-bearing soldiers three times in one day fell out of his rank, would you dismiss him or not?”

Original Chinese text

English translation

He said, 'There is no need to wait for a third time.'

Original Chinese text

English translation

If so, then you too have many failures in carrying out your duties. In years of famine, nearly a thousand of your people have been affected: the old and weak have died in ravines, while the able-bodied have scattered in every direction.

Original Chinese text

English translation

He said, 'This is not something Juxin could do.'

Original Chinese text

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He said, 'Suppose someone receives another person's oxen and sheep and pastures them for him; then he must seek pasture and fodder for them. If he seeks pasture and fodder and does not get them, should he return them to that person, or should he stand and watch them die?'

Original Chinese text

English translation

Juxin said, 'Then this is my fault.'

Original Chinese text

English translation

Another day, Mencius had an audience with the king and said, 'Of those who serve Your Majesty as city governors, I know five. Among them, the only one who knows his own fault is Kong Juxin. I will recite it for Your Majesty.'

Original Chinese text

English translation

The king said, 'Then this is my fault.'

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