Turning Back to Oneself

English translation

Mencius said, “If you love others but they do not become close to you, examine your own benevolence. If you govern others but fail to govern them well, examine your own wisdom. If you treat others with courtesy but receive no response, examine your own respect. Whenever your conduct does not achieve its aim, turn back and seek the cause in yourself. When one’s own person is upright, the realm will come to one. The Book of Songs says, ‘Ever seek to accord with the Mandate; seek your own many blessings.’”