The Roots of Care

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English translation

Original Chinese text

English translation

The Mohist Yi Zhi, through Xu Pi, sought to see Mencius. Mencius said: “I had indeed wished to see him. But I am still ill; when I have recovered, I will go to see him.” Yizi did not come!

Original Chinese text

English translation

Another day he again sought to see Mencius. Mencius said: “Now I can see him. If I am not straightforward, the Way will not be made visible; I will be straightforward with him. I have heard that Yizi is a Mohist. In the Mohists’ handling of mourning, they take meagerness as their way. Yizi wishes to use it to change the world—could he think it is not right and therefore not value it? Yet Yizi buried his parents lavishly; that is to treat his parents with what he despises.”

Original Chinese text

English translation

Master Xu told Yizi this.

Original Chinese text

English translation

Yi Zi said: 'In the way of the Confucians, the ancients [acted] as if protecting an infant. What does this saying mean? I, however, think that love has no gradations, and that its application begins with one's relatives.'

Original Chinese text

English translation

Master Xu reported it to Mencius.

Original Chinese text

English translation

Mencius said, “Does Yi Zhi really believe that people care for a brother’s child just as they care for a neighbor’s infant? He has taken that idea from somewhere. When an infant crawls toward a well, the danger is no fault of the child. Heaven gives living things one root, whereas Yi Zhi posits two; that is the problem. In ancient times, there were people who did not bury their parents. When a parent died, they lifted the body and left it in a ravine. Later, passing by, they saw foxes eating it and flies and gnats biting at it. Sweat appeared on the person’s forehead; they glanced aside, unable to look directly. That sweat was not shed for other people; it arose from within and showed on the face. The person went back for earth-carrying baskets and spades, then covered the body. That covering was indeed right. So when filial and benevolent people bury their parents, there must be a reason for it.”

Original Chinese text

English translation

Xu Zi reported Mencius’s words to Yi Zhi. Yi Zhi looked troubled, paused for a moment, and said, “I have received his instruction.”

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