Exchange of Work and Goods

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Original Chinese text

English translation

Peng Geng asked, “You travel with several dozen carriages and hundreds of attendants, receiving food from one ruler after another. Is that not extravagant?”

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Mencius replied, “If it is not in accord with the Way, one should not accept even a basket of food from another. If it is in accord with the Way, Shun’s receiving all under Heaven from Yao was no extravagance. Do you think it was?”

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Peng Geng answered, “No. But it is wrong for a scholar to receive support while doing nothing.”

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Mencius said, “If you do not circulate the products of labor and exchange services, using surplus to meet shortages, farmers will have grain left over and women will have cloth left over. If you allow such exchange, carpenters, craftsmen, and wheelwrights can all obtain food from you. Now imagine a person who is filial at home, respectful to elders outside, keeps the Way of the former kings, and waits to teach later learners—yet you will not support him. Why honor carpenters and wheelwrights while slighting someone who practices benevolence and righteousness?”

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Peng Geng said, “Carpenters, craftsmen, and wheelwrights work to earn their living. Does a gentleman uphold the Way for the same reason?”

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Mencius replied, “Why speculate about his motive? If his work benefits you, it is proper to support him. Besides, do you support people for their intentions, or for the useful results of their work?”

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Peng Geng replied, “I support them for their intentions.”

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Mencius asked, “Suppose someone damages roof tiles and smears plaster on walls, intending to earn a living by doing so. Would you support him?”

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Peng Geng replied, “No.”

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Mencius said, “Then you do not support people for their intentions; you support them for the results of their work.”

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