The Virtue of Humility: Mencius on the Art of Asking and Learning

Translation

Gongduzi asked, “When Teng Geng was under your tutelage, he appeared to be someone who was treated with respect, yet you did not respond to his queries. Why was that?”

Mencius replied, “I do not answer questions based on one’s status as a noble, one’s reputation for wisdom, one’s seniority, one’s past achievements, or one’s old friendships. Teng Geng fell into at least two of these categories.”

Analysis

This passage from Mencius (Chapter of “The Heart’s Resolve”) reveals a significant aspect of Mencius’ views on education, character, and social ethics through his interaction with his disciple, Teng Geng. The refusal to answer Teng Geng’s questions highlights Mencius’ principles regarding the proper attitude for seeking knowledge.

First, it’s essential to understand the context. Mencius, a key figure in Confucian philosophy, emphasized inner virtues such as benevolence and righteousness over external forms and ceremonies. Teng Geng, being a disciple, was expected to approach Mencius with humility and sincerity. However, it seems Teng Geng failed to embody these qualities.

Mencius enumerates five attitudes that he considers inappropriate for asking questions: “asking based on nobility, asking based on wisdom, asking based on seniority, asking based on achievements, and asking based on old friendships.” Teng Geng’s attitude, apparently, was rooted in at least two of these inappropriate approaches. This indicates that Teng Geng approached Mencius with a sense of entitlement or superiority rather than genuine curiosity and humility.

From a rhetorical perspective, Mencius uses a straightforward listing method to delineate unacceptable attitudes for seeking answers. His language is concise yet powerful, reflecting his direct and principled nature. This approach not only highlights Mencius’ character but also underscores his educational philosophy: true learning requires humility.

Emotionally and thematically, this passage underscores Mencius’ serious stance on education. For him, education is not merely about imparting knowledge but about cultivating character. If an individual cannot demonstrate basic qualities of humility and sincerity, their high status, skills, or past contributions do not warrant special consideration for learning.

Regarding style and characteristics, the text exemplifies Mencius’ characteristic literary style: clear, logical, and rich in concrete examples to elucidate abstract principles. His language is imbued with strength and courage, reflecting his readiness to speak truth to power and his commitment to his principles.

Historical evaluations of Mencius align with this analysis. For instance, Xunzi praised Mencius for nurturing a “vast and righteous spirit,” which emanates from Mencius’ adherence to principles and his courage to speak honestly.

In summary, this passage not only reflects Mencius’ views on education and character but also showcases his distinctive style and philosophical spirit. It teaches that true scholarship and education must be rooted in humility and sincerity, illustrating the foundational principles of Mencius’ approach to learning and teaching.