Speaking Up and Choosing to Leave

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Original Chinese text

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Mencius said to Qi Wa, 'Your resigning from Lingqiu and asking for the office of Minister of Justice seemed reasonable, because in that office you could speak. It has already been several months now; are you still unable to speak?'

Original Chinese text

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Chi Wa remonstrated with the king, but his advice was not adopted; he therefore gave up his position as a minister and left.

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The people of Qi said, “Your advice to Chi Wa—to speak up and then leave—was sound. But why you do not follow the same course yourself is beyond me.”

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Gongdu Zi reported this to Mencius.

Original Chinese text

English translation

Mencius said, 'I have heard it said: one who has an official post with duties, if he cannot carry out his duties, leaves; one who has the responsibility to speak, if his words are not heeded, leaves. I have no official post with duties, and I have no responsibility to speak; then in advancing or withdrawing, how could I not be amply free with room to spare?'

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