Wisdoms of the Ancient

What can we learn from Mencius, the great sage in last chaotic era in China???

· Those who ran fifty steps laughing at those who ran a hundred steps

“The soldier who had run fifty steps laugh should not laugh at the soldier who had run a hundred steps. Although he did not run a hundred steps, yet he still running away after all.”

· Will not and cannot

“What your ability cannot accomplish is what you can’t do; what your ability can accomplish but you do not do is what you won’t do. Men often say cannot when they will not.”

· Helping the shoots to grow

“Everything under heaven is regulated. Those who have deliberately and artificially tried to assist growth will find that they have actually only hastened destruction.”

· The man who bends himself can never straighten others

“The honourable man keeps his principles; he should never bend his principles to please others.”

· The un-regretful thief

“If you know that what you’re doing is wrong, you should stop it right away; why wait till next year?”

· Self-examination

“In interactions, you cannot just focus on what you expect from others; you must look at yourself to ensure that you have done all you can to be upright.”

· Our troubles

“We bring upon ourselves happiness or calamity; and we must bear the consequences of our own sins.”

· The signs of times

“Before things happen, there are signs. The superior man heeds these warnings, and plans and acts before trouble closes in.”

· A man can do great things when he can refuse to do certain things

“A successful person knows clearly the path he must follow; he will not be tempted to deviate.”

· Knowledge

“Those who know and sense things early, must not be selfish and make use of this advantage to pursue good only for themselves. They must go forth to instruct others.”

· Can he enlighten others when he is confused himself?

“Only a leader who is enlightened in speech and action will be able to lead men. For if the leader is himself confused, can he make others understand or obey him? Wouldn’t he be like the blind trying to lead the blind?”