Why a Noble Person Does Not Farm
Text
English translation
Original Chinese text
公孙丑曰:“《诗》曰:‘不素餐兮。’君子之不耕而食,何也?”
English translation
Gongsun Chou asked, “The Book of Poetry says, ‘He does not eat the food of idleness.’ Why, then, do gentlemen eat without farming?”
Original Chinese text
孟子曰:“君子居是国也,其君用之,则安富尊荣;其子弟从之,则孝弟忠信。‘不素餐兮’,孰大于是?”
English translation
Mencius replied, “When a gentleman lives in a state and its ruler employs him, he can bring stability, prosperity, honor, and dignity. When the younger men study under him, they learn filial devotion, respect for elders, loyalty, and trustworthiness. What contribution could be greater than this?”