Human Nature and Unforced Wisdom

Contents

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English translation

Original Chinese text

English translation

Mencius said, “When people speak of human nature, they are speaking of what is inherent in it, nothing more. What is inherent takes what is fitting as its foundation. What people dislike in cleverness is its contrivance.”

Original Chinese text

English translation

If the clever acted as Yu did in directing the waters, there would be nothing objectionable in their cleverness. Yu directed the waters by following their natural course and doing nothing contrary to it. If the clever likewise did what required no contrived interference, their wisdom would indeed be great.

Original Chinese text

English translation

“Though the heavens are high and the stars far away, if one seeks their underlying patterns, the winter solstice a thousand years hence can be calculated while sitting in place.”

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