Anyone Can Become Yao and Shun
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English translation
Original Chinese text
曹交问曰:“人皆可以为尧舜,有诸?”孟子曰:“然。”“交闻文王十尺,汤九尺;今交九尺四寸以长。食粟而已,如何则可?”曰:“奚有于是?亦为之而已矣。有人于此,力不能胜一匹雏,则为无力人矣。今曰举百钧,则为有力人矣。然则举乌获之任,是亦为乌获而已矣。夫人岂以不胜为患哉?弗为耳。徐行后长者,谓之弟;疾行先长者,谓之不弟。夫徐行者,岂人所不能哉?所不为也。尧舜之道,孝弟而已矣。子服尧之服、诵尧之言、行尧之行,是尧而已矣。子服桀之服、诵桀之言、行桀之行,是桀而已矣。”
English translation
Cao Jiao asked, “Can everyone become a Yao or a Shun? Is that really so?” “Yes,” said Mencius. Cao continued, “I heard King Wen was ten feet tall and Tang nine feet. I am over nine feet four inches, yet I only eat grain. What must I do?” Mencius replied, “What is difficult about it? Just put it into practice. Someone who cannot lift even a small chick would be called weak; someone who can lift a hundred jun would be called strong. To shoulder the burden of Wu Huo is simply to do what Wu Huo does. Do people worry because they cannot do something, or simply because they do not do it? Walking slowly behind an elder is called fraternal respect; rushing ahead is called a failure of it. Is walking slowly beyond anyone’s ability? People simply do not do it. The Way of Yao and Shun is just filial devotion and respect for elders and siblings. Wear Yao’s clothes, speak Yao’s words, and act as Yao did, and you are Yao. Wear Jie’s clothes, speak Jie’s words, and act as Jie did, and you are Jie.”
Original Chinese text
曰:“交得见于邹君,可以假馆,愿留而受业于门。”曰:“夫道,若大路然,岂难知哉?人病不求耳。子归而求之,有馀师。”
English translation
Cao Jiao said, “Could you arrange for me to meet the ruler of Zou, obtain lodging, and stay to study under you?” Mencius replied, “The Way is like a broad road; how could it be hard to know? The problem is that people do not seek it. Go home and seek it, and you will find plenty of teachers.”