The Examples of the Early Kings

English translation

Mencius said, “Yu disliked fine wine and welcomed good counsel. Tang held to the middle and appointed the worthy without restricting himself to one type. King Wen regarded the people as if they were injured, and looked toward the Way as though he had not yet seen it. King Wu did not neglect those near him or forget those far away. The Duke of Zhou sought to unite the achievements of the three kings and carry out their four undertakings. Whenever something did not fit, he looked upward and reflected on it, continuing through the night and into the day. When, fortunately, he found the answer, he sat up waiting for dawn.”