Unity Without Bloodlust

Contents

Text

English translation

Original Chinese text

English translation

After meeting King Xiang of Liang, Mencius told others, ‘From a distance he did not look like a ruler; up close there was nothing in him to inspire respect. He abruptly asked me, “How can the realm be settled?”’

Original Chinese text

English translation

‘I answered, “It will be settled when it is united.” He asked, “Who can unite it?” I replied, “One who does not delight in killing people.”’

Original Chinese text

English translation

‘He asked, “Who would join him?” I answered, “No one under heaven would refuse. You know what happens to young crops: if drought comes in the seventh or eighth month, they wither.”’

Original Chinese text

English translation

‘Then clouds rise thickly and rain pours down; the crops spring up again. Once they grow like that, who can hold them back?’

Original Chinese text

English translation

‘As for the rulers of the people today, there is none who does not relish killing. If one appeared who did not, people everywhere would crane their necks looking toward him.’

Original Chinese text

English translation

‘If that truly happened, people would turn to him as water runs downhill. Who could stop that surging current?’

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