“Mencius on Ruling Through Shared Joy: Lessons from Qi Xuan King”

Translation:

Mencius was one of the great philosophers of ancient China, known for his deep understanding of human nature and governance. In a famous conversation with Qi Xuan King, Mencius offered profound insights into the nature of leadership and the importance of rulers sharing their joys with their people. This story, recounted in “Mencius: Book of King Hui of Liang Part II,” not only highlights Mencius’s wisdom but also provides timeless lessons for leaders everywhere.

The Encounter with Mencius

Zhuang Bao once visited Mencius and shared an experience: “I had an audience with the king, and he spoke about his love for music. I didn’t know how to respond. How should I have answered?” Mencius replied, “If the king truly loves music, then the governance of Qi must be quite good!”

A few days later, Mencius met with Qi Xuan King and inquired, “Did you discuss your love for music with Zhuang Bao?” Embarrassed, the king admitted, “I don’t enjoy the refined music of the former kings, but rather the popular music of today.” Mencius responded, “If you genuinely love music, then Qi’s governance must be excellent! In this matter, the popular music of today is not much different from the ancient elegant music.” The king, intrigued, asked, “Could you explain this to me?”

The Joy of Sharing

Mencius posed a question: “Which is more joyful: enjoying music alone or with others?” The king replied, “It’s more joyful to enjoy it with others.” Mencius then asked, “Which is better: enjoying music with a few people or with many?” The king said, “It is better to enjoy it with many people.”

Mencius elaborated, “Let me explain how this applies to governance. If the king plays music, and the people hear the sound of bells and drums, pipes and flutes, and they sigh with sadness, saying, ‘Our king loves music, but why does it make us so poor? Fathers and sons cannot see each other, brothers and wives are separated.’ If the king goes hunting, and the people hear the clamor of his chariots and see the splendor of his banners, and they sigh, ‘Our king loves hunting, but why does it make us so poor? Fathers and sons cannot see each other, brothers and wives are separated.’ This is because the king enjoys these activities alone and not with the people.”

Shared Joy Leads to Unity

Mencius continued, “But if the king plays music, and the people hear the sound of bells and drums, pipes and flutes, and they smile and tell each other, ‘Our king must be in good health to play music!’ If the king goes hunting, and the people hear the clamor of his chariots and see the splendor of his banners, and they smile and tell each other, ‘Our king must be in good health to go hunting!’ This is because the king shares these activities with the people. If the king can share joy with the people, he can unify the world through the way of the king.”

Analysis

This passage from “Mencius: Book of King Hui of Liang Part II” revolves around the theme of “the joy of kings.” Mencius uses Qi Xuan King’s love for music as a starting point to elaborate on his principles of governance. Historically, Qi Xuan King ruled during a time of frequent internal strife and widespread suffering among the people. Instead of addressing these issues, the king indulged in pleasures, neglecting state affairs. Mencius’s visit aimed to advise the king to mend his ways, comfort the people, and revive the state.

Opening with a Question

Mencius skillfully begins with Zhuang Bao’s question, which introduces the king’s love for music. He then uses a series of questions, “Is it more joyful to enjoy alone or with others?” to lead to the principle of “sharing joy with the people.” Through rhetorical devices like questions and contrasts, Mencius vividly depicts two contrasting scenarios: one where the people suffer while the king enjoys alone, and another where the king and the people share joy, effectively illustrating his point.

Logical Argumentation

Mencius employs repeated argumentation, first revealing the king’s love for music through Zhuang Bao, then exposing its drawbacks, and finally proposing a remedy. This clear, logical structure makes Mencius’s argument more persuasive.

Emotional Appeal and Responsibility

Throughout the passage, Mencius’s emotions are intense, filled with concern for the people and a sense of responsibility towards the king. He uses the king’s love for music to introduce thoughts on the king’s duties and responsibilities, reflecting Mencius’s benevolent governance philosophy. Mencius’s plain yet profound language embodies the Confucian style, touching the hearts of readers.

In summary, this passage embodies Mencius’s Confucian thought, using Qi Xuan King’s love for music to propose that kings should share joy with their people. This represents a humanistic requirement for rulers and a limitation on their power, showcasing Mencius’s deep political wisdom and noble moral character.

Commentary

The story of Mencius advising Qi Xuan King is not just a historical anecdote but a lesson in leadership that transcends time and culture. In today’s world, leaders can learn from Mencius’s teachings about the importance of empathy, shared experiences, and collective joy in governance. By fostering a sense of community and mutual happiness, leaders can create a more harmonious and prosperous society.