The Work of a Shi
Text
English translation
Original Chinese text
王子垫问曰:“士何事?”孟子曰:“尚志。”曰:“何谓尚志?”
English translation
Prince Dian asked, “What should a shi devote himself to?” Mencius answered, “Esteeming one’s aspirations.” “What does it mean to esteem one’s aspirations?”
Original Chinese text
曰:“仁义而已矣。杀一无罪,非仁也;非其有而取之,非义也。居恶在?仁是也。路恶在?义是也。居仁由义,大人之事备矣。”
English translation
Mencius said, “It is simply benevolence and righteousness. To kill an innocent person is not benevolent; to take what is not yours is not righteous. Where should one dwell? In benevolence. Which road should one follow? Righteousness. To dwell in benevolence and walk by righteousness is to fulfill the work of a great person.”