Benevolence and Its Consequences

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English translation

Original Chinese text

English translation

Mencius exclaimed that King Hui of Liang was not humane. A humane ruler extends care from those close to him to those farther away. An inhumane ruler first imposes harmful policies on those he does not favor, and the resulting harm eventually reaches those he does favor as well.

Original Chinese text

English translation

Gongsun Chou asked, “What do you mean by that?”

Original Chinese text

English translation

Mencius explained that King Hui had sent his people to fight over territory, leaving them devastated and suffering a major defeat. Wanting to fight again but fearing he could not win, he then drove the young members of his own favored royal family into battle to die. Thus he first exposed those he did not cherish to death, and eventually did the same to those he loved.

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