The Ease of a Humane King
Text
English translation
Original Chinese text
孟子曰:“霸者之民,驩虞如也;王者之民,皞皞如也。
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
杀之而不怨,利之而不庸,民日迁善而不知为之者。
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
夫君子所过者化,所存者神,上下与天地同流,岂曰小补之哉?”
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?”