Mencius and the Virtue of Integrity: A Lesson in Moral Principles

Translation:

Mencius, preparing to leave his official post in the state of Qi and return to his hometown, was visited by King Qi. The king expressed his regret at Mencius’s departure, saying, “I once longed to meet you but could not. Later, we had the pleasure of working together, which delighted me greatly. Now, you are leaving me again. I wonder if we will ever meet again in the future.”

Mencius replied, “I am not daring to make any requests; this has always been my wish.”

A few days later, King Qi instructed his minister, Shi Zi, saying, “I wish to allocate a house in the capital for Mencius and provide him with ten thousand measures of grain to support his students, so that our officials and people might take example from him. Why not discuss this with Mencius?”

Shi Zi conveyed this message through Chen Zi to Mencius. Chen Zi then relayed Shi Zi’s message to Mencius.

Mencius responded, “What does Shi Zi know about what is appropriate or inappropriate in this matter? If I were someone who sought wealth, would I resign from a position with ten thousand measures of grain and accept a gift of one thousand measures, seeking greater riches? Ji Sun once commented, ‘Zi Shu is truly strange! He wishes to hold an official position, but when others do not employ him, he does not mind. However, he then seeks to have his own offspring become high-ranking officials. Who does not wish to gain office and wealth? Yet he wants to monopolize this process.’ This is similar to the ancient market transactions, which were merely exchanges of what one has for what one does not have, managed by relevant authorities. However, a base individual sought to climb to an independent high ground, looking around left and right, hoping to capture all the profits of the market for himself. Others found this person despicable and started taxing him. Thus, commercial taxes began with this base individual.”

Analysis:

This passage is extracted from Mencius, Book of Gong Sun Chou (Part One), and reveals Mencius’s steadfast adherence to moral principles and his refusal to be swayed by the lure of power and wealth. It illustrates Mencius’s character and his understanding of virtue in the face of political temptation.

First, the historical context of this passage is essential. It occurs during the Warring States period, a time of political instability and moral challenges. Mencius, a representative of Confucian thought, sought to promote benevolent governance. Despite his high ideals, he faced misunderstanding and derision, particularly from those who criticized him for his apparent failure to achieve political success.

Mencius’s response to King Qi’s offer and Shi Zi’s proposal demonstrates his unwavering commitment to his moral values. His refusal to accept the king’s offer of wealth and support is a testament to his integrity. Mencius believed that accepting such rewards would compromise his principles and undermine his moral stance. His rejection of material gain highlights his deep-seated belief that virtue and integrity surpass worldly wealth and power.

Mencius’s use of allegory and metaphor further illustrates his philosophical perspective. By comparing his situation to a base individual seeking to monopolize market profits, he underscores the idea that true virtue lies in rejecting the pursuit of personal gain. The base individual’s behavior, described as despicable and corrupt, serves as a critique of those who seek to exploit opportunities for their benefit at the expense of ethical standards.

In his critique of the commercialization of virtues and principles, Mencius emphasizes that true virtue is independent of external rewards. He argues that one’s moral judgment should not be influenced by the pursuit of power or wealth. Instead, it should be grounded in ethical principles and the broader good.

Overall, this passage reflects Mencius’s profound moral philosophy and his dedication to maintaining integrity in the face of temptation. It demonstrates his belief in the importance of moral character and his refusal to be compromised by material incentives. The text serves as a powerful reminder of the value of virtue and the importance of staying true to one’s principles amidst the challenges of political and social pressures.

In conclusion, Mencius’s response and the accompanying allegory provide a deep insight into his ethical outlook and his rejection of opportunistic behavior. His steadfastness in maintaining his moral values in the face of political enticements exemplifies the core of Confucian thought and serves as a timeless lesson on the importance of integrity and ethical conduct.