Anyone Can Become Yao and Shun

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English translation

Original Chinese text

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

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.”

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