Mencius Quotes

Evil exists to glorify the good. Evil is negative good. It is a relative term. Evil can be transmuted into good. What is evil to one at one time, becomes good at another time to somebody else.

Human nature is good, just as water seeks low ground. There is no man who is not good, just as there is no water that does not flow downward.

Let not a man do what his sense of right bids him not to do, nor desire what it forbids him to desire. This is sufficient. The skillful artist will not alter his measures for the sake of a stupid workman.

Truth uttered before its time is dangerous.

Incessant falls teach men to reform, and distress rouses their strength. Life springs from calamity, and death from ease.

There is no greater delight than to be conscious of sincerity on self-examination.

People are eager to comment on something when they themselves are not in the situation of doing it.

If the prince of a State love benevolence, he will have no opponent in all the empire.

Human nature is disposed to do good.

Try your best to treat others as you would wish to be treated yourself, and you will find that this is the shortest way to benevolence.