Mencius on the Balance of Integrity and Practicality: Lessons from Bo Yi and Liu Xia Hui

Mencius once remarked: “Bo Yi is a person who would not serve a ruler who does not meet his ideals, avoid friendships with those he deems unworthy, refuse to hold office in a corrupt court, and abstain from conversing with evil individuals. Being in a corrupt court or talking with the wicked is like sitting in mud and ashes while dressed in ceremonial robes. His disdain for the wicked was so strong that if he encountered someone poorly dressed in the countryside, he would indignantly leave, fearing he might be tainted. Thus, even if feudal lords tried to entice him with flattering words, he would not accept. The reason for his refusal was his contempt for such individuals.

“Liu Xia Hui, on the other hand, did not see serving greedy and corrupt officials as shameful, nor did he consider minor positions beneath him. He did not hide his talents and insisted on acting according to his own principles; he bore no resentment if he was neglected and did not fret over his circumstances. Hence, he said: ‘You are you, and I am I. Even if a beautiful woman stood naked before me, how could she tempt or corrupt me?’ So, he could easily be with her without losing his composure. Even if someone tried to keep him, he would still stay because he held those people in contempt.”

Mencius continued: “Bo Yi was narrow-minded, while Liu Xia Hui lacked solemnity. Narrow-mindedness and a lack of solemnity are both traits that a gentleman should neither follow nor emulate.”

In this passage from Mencius, the philosopher uses the figures of Bo Yi and Liu Xia Hui to illustrate his views on moral integrity and the practical aspects of life. By contrasting these two historical figures, Mencius reveals his deep insights into human nature and his unique perspective on ideal character.

Bo Yi’s Rigid Morality

Bo Yi is depicted by Mencius as a paragon of moral purity and inflexibility. He adheres strictly to the principle of not associating with those who do not meet his high standards, avoiding both corrupt officials and unethical friends. His disdain for moral compromise is so profound that even casual contact with those he deems beneath him is unacceptable. Mencius describes this attitude as “狭” (narrow-minded), implying that Bo Yi’s rigid moral stance limits his ability to navigate the complexities of the world. While Bo Yi’s commitment to ethical purity is admirable, Mencius suggests that such extreme detachment can be impractical and is not always conducive to effective leadership or meaningful participation in society.

Liu Xia Hui’s Pragmatism

In contrast, Liu Xia Hui is portrayed as pragmatic and adaptable. He does not view serving corrupt officials as a dishonor and does not consider a minor position as degrading. His ability to maintain his integrity while navigating less-than-ideal circumstances demonstrates a flexible approach to morality. Liu Xia Hui’s acceptance of his situation, without resentment or distress, showcases a different kind of moral strength. He remains steadfast in his principles without being overly rigid, indicating a balance between personal integrity and practical engagement. Mencius praises Liu Xia Hui’s demeanor as “不恭” (unconcerned with formalities), highlighting his ability to remain composed and principled in various situations.

Mencius’s Critique

Despite their respective virtues, Mencius ultimately critiques both Bo Yi and Liu Xia Hui for their extreme tendencies. He argues that Bo Yi’s narrow-mindedness and Liu Xia Hui’s lack of solemnity are both undesirable traits for a gentleman. According to Mencius, an ideal person should not be overly rigid or excessively lenient but should find a balance between moral idealism and practical reality. This balance allows one to uphold personal principles while effectively engaging with the complexities of the world.

Philosophical Insights

Mencius’s analysis reflects his philosophical understanding of the interplay between integrity and practicality. He uses Bo Yi and Liu Xia Hui to illustrate the limitations of extreme positions and advocates for a balanced approach. This perspective is significant because it acknowledges the importance of both moral principles and the need for adaptability in real-world situations. Mencius’s insights suggest that effective leadership and personal conduct require navigating the space between uncompromising idealism and pragmatic flexibility.

Rhetorical Techniques

Mencius employs various rhetorical techniques, including contrast and metaphor, to elucidate his views. By juxtaposing Bo Yi’s moral rigidity with Liu Xia Hui’s practical acceptance, he effectively demonstrates the strengths and weaknesses of each approach. The metaphor of sitting in mud and ashes while dressed in ceremonial robes vividly illustrates the impracticality of extreme moral detachment. These rhetorical strategies enhance the clarity and impact of Mencius’s arguments, making abstract moral concepts more concrete and relatable.

Mencius’s reflections on Bo Yi and Liu Xia Hui offer valuable lessons on the balance between integrity and practicality. His analysis provides a nuanced understanding of how to navigate moral principles within the complexities of real life. By highlighting the strengths and limitations of both historical figures, Mencius encourages a balanced approach that values both ethical consistency and practical adaptability. This balanced perspective remains relevant for contemporary discussions on leadership, personal conduct, and moral philosophy.