Sunday, June 10, 2012

Chapter 27B - Doctrine of the Mean

Therefore, the superior man honors his virtuous nature, and maintains constant inquiry and study, seeking to carry it out to its breadth and greatness, so as to omit none of the more exquisite and minute points which it embraces, and to raise it to its greatest height and brilliancy, so as to pursue the course of the Mean. He cherishes his old knowledge, and is continually acquiring new. He exerts an honest, generous earnestness, in the esteem and practice of all propriety.

Thus, when occupying a high situation he is not proud, and in a low situation he is not insubordinate. When the kingdom is well governed, he is sure by his words to rise; and when it is ill governed, he is sure by his silence to command forbearance to himself. Is not this what we find in the Book of Poetry, "Intelligent is he and prudent, and so preserves his person?"
~ James Legge translation via nothingistic.org ~
Go here to read the introductory post to this serialized version of the Doctrine of the Mean.

No comments:

Post a Comment

Comments are unmoderated, so you can write whatever you want.