Boyi Hears of King Wen

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English translation

Original Chinese text

English translation

Mencius said, “Bo Yi fled King Zhou and lived by the northern sea. When he heard that King Wen had risen, he said, ‘Why should I not go to him? I have heard that the Earl of the West is good at caring for the elderly.’”

Original Chinese text

English translation

“The Grand Duke also fled King Zhou and lived by the eastern sea. When he heard that King Wen had risen, he too said, ‘Why should I not go to him? I have heard that the Earl of the West is good at caring for the elderly.’”

Original Chinese text

English translation

“When there is a ruler anywhere in the realm who cares well for the elderly, humane people regard his domain as the place to which they should go.”

Original Chinese text

English translation

“If each household has a homestead of five mu, plants mulberry trees along its walls, and has a woman raise silkworms, the elderly will have enough silk to wear.”

Original Chinese text

English translation

“With five hens and two sows, and by breeding and using them at the proper times, the elderly will have enough meat.”

Original Chinese text

English translation

“If one man cultivates a hundred mu of fields, a household of eight will have enough to avoid hunger.”

Original Chinese text

English translation

“What it means that the Earl of the West cared well for the elderly is that he organized people’s fields and homes, taught them to plant and raise livestock, and guided their wives and children to support the old.”

Original Chinese text

English translation

“At fifty, one cannot stay warm without silk; at seventy, one cannot be well fed without meat. To lack warmth and food is to suffer from cold and hunger.”

Original Chinese text

English translation

“Among King Wen’s people, no elderly person suffered from cold or hunger. That is what is meant.”

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