The Timeless Wisdom of Mencius: Reflections on Governance and Opportunity
Dialogue on Historical Legacy and Governance
Gongsun Chou inquired, “If you were in power in the State of Qi, could the achievements of Guan Zhong and Yan Zi be revived?”
Mencius replied, “You truly seem to be a Qi person, only concerned with Guan Zhong and Yan Zi. Once, someone asked Zeng Xi, ‘How do your abilities compare to those of Zi Lu?’ Zeng Xi, feeling uneasy, responded, ‘Zi Lu is a person my grandfather revered; how could I compare to him?’ The person then asked, ‘How do you compare to Guan Zhong?’ Zeng Xi became upset and said, ‘How can you compare me to Guan Zhong? Guan Zhong was trusted implicitly by Duke Huan of Qi and held power for a long time, yet his achievements were so meager. How can you compare me to him?’” Mencius continued, “Guan Zhong is someone Zeng Xi did not want to be compared with; do you think I would want to be compared with him?”
Gongsun Chou said, “Guan Zhong helped Duke Huan dominate the world, and Yan Zi assisted Duke Jing in gaining fame among the lords. Are not Guan Zhong and Yan Zi worth comparing?”
Mencius responded, “To unify the world with the way of kingship in Qi’s current state would be as easy as flipping one’s hand.”
Gongsun Chou replied, “If that’s the case, I am even more perplexed. King Wen of Zhou, with his virtue, lived nearly a hundred years without unifying the world. It was only after King Wu and the Duke of Zhou succeeded him that the world was unified. Now you say that unifying the world with the way of kingship is as easy as flipping one’s hand, so should we not learn from King Wen?”
Mencius said, “How could we compare to King Wen? From Shang Tang to Wu Ding, there were six or seven wise rulers, and the world had long been subject to the Shang dynasty. This was a long-established situation, difficult to change. Wu Ding made the vassals come to court, ruling the world as easily as turning it in his hand. The reign of King Zhou, who was not far from Wu Ding, with his great ministers and traditions, lasted a long time before losing power. In his time, every piece of land and every subject was under his control, so it was extremely difficult for Wen Wang to rise from a small region. Qi people have a saying: ‘Even with wisdom, it’s not as good as seizing the moment; even with a plow, it’s not as good as waiting for the right time.’ Now, the time is very favorable for unifying the world with the way of kingship. In the flourishing periods of Xia, Shang, and Zhou dynasties, no state’s land exceeded a thousand miles. But now, Qi exceeds that. The sound of roosters and dogs can be heard everywhere, extending to the borders, indicating a large population. There is no need to newly open up land or gather new people. If benevolent governance is implemented to unify the world, no one can stop it. Moreover, a virtuous ruler has not appeared for a long time, and the oppression of the people has never been so severe. Hungry people do not choose their food, and thirsty people do not choose their drink. Confucius said, ‘The spread of virtue is faster than the transmission of orders by postal stations.’ At this moment, if a great nation with ten thousand chariots practices benevolent governance, the joy of the people will be like those who are rescued from hanging. Therefore, achieving half of what the ancients did can result in double the achievements of the ancients. Only at such a time can it be achieved.”
Analysis of Mencius’ Dialogue
This passage from the “Mencius: Gongsun Chou” chapter focuses on the possibility of reviving the achievements of past figures like Guan Zhong and Yan Zi and the appropriate timing for implementing benevolent governance. Through his dialogue with Gongsun Chou, Mencius reveals his deep understanding of historical changes, his steadfast belief in benevolent governance, and his keen sense of timing.
Firstly, Gongsun Chou’s question reflects a common desire to see the revival of past greatness. Guan Zhong and Yan Zi are celebrated figures in Qi’s history, and their achievements remain a benchmark for many. Gongsun Chou’s query represents the longing of many Qi people for a return to their past glory.
However, Mencius downplays the significance of Guan Zhong and Yan Zi. He suggests that Guan Zhong, despite his role in assisting Duke Huan, did not achieve much in terms of actual results. By comparing Guan Zhong to Zeng Xi, Mencius highlights his dissatisfaction with Guan Zhong’s achievements, demonstrating Mencius’ commitment to high moral and ethical standards.
When discussing the implementation of benevolent governance, Mencius emphasizes the importance of timing and seizing opportunities. He argues that while King Wen of Zhou faced great challenges in his time, the current era presents a much more favorable situation for such governance. Mencius points out that the current conditions, with widespread oppression and a desire for change, are ripe for the successful implementation of benevolent governance. The phrase “seizing the moment” reflects Mencius’ belief in the critical importance of timing in governance.
Mencius’ argument is reinforced through historical examples and philosophical reflections. He contrasts the relatively stable and long-lasting rule of the Shang dynasty under Wu Ding with the difficult rise of King Wen. By illustrating the changing times and current opportunities, Mencius argues that the conditions are ideal for applying benevolent governance, thus underscoring the practicality and timeliness of his argument.
The passage also highlights Mencius’ rhetorical skills. He uses historical examples, such as the achievements of the Shang dynasty and the virtues of Confucius, to support his views. His use of proverbs and quotations from Confucius adds depth to his arguments and emphasizes the urgency of implementing benevolent governance.
Overall, this passage demonstrates Mencius’ ability to blend historical analysis with philosophical insights. By reassessing historical figures and emphasizing the importance of seizing the right moment, Mencius provides a compelling argument for the application of benevolent governance in the present day. His dialogue reflects both his profound understanding of political philosophy and his strategic approach to governance, offering valuable lessons for both historical and contemporary contexts.