Three Joys of the Noble Person

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Original Chinese text

English translation

Mencius said, “A noble person has three joys, and ruling the realm is not among them.”

Original Chinese text

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“That one’s parents are both alive and one’s siblings remain safe and well: this is the first joy.”

Original Chinese text

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“To look up without shame before Heaven and look down without shame before other people: this is the second joy.”

Original Chinese text

English translation

“To find the finest and most promising people in the realm and educate them: this is the third joy. A noble person has three joys, and ruling the realm is not among them.”

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