The Ease of a Humane King

Contents

Text

English translation

Original Chinese text

English translation

Mencius said, “The people under a hegemon seem cheerful and content; the people under a true king seem open, at ease, and fulfilled.”

Original Chinese text

English translation

“Under such humane government, even when severe punishment is lawfully imposed as part of an order that protects life, the people do not resent it. They benefit without crediting the ruler personally, and grow better day by day without knowing who has brought this about.”

Original Chinese text

English translation

“Where a noble person passes, people are transformed; the virtue he holds within works with a subtle, transformative power. His way flows together with Heaven above and Earth below—how could this be called a minor contribution?”

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