The Roots of the Four Virtues

English translation

Mencius said, “The substance of humaneness lies in serving one’s parents; the substance of righteousness lies in following one’s elder brother. The substance of wisdom is to understand these two and never depart from them. The substance of ritual is to regulate and give expression to them. The substance of music is to take delight in them; delight then arises. Once it arises, how could it cease? When it cannot cease, the feet dance and the hands wave without one’s even noticing.”