Hanzi

Duke Huan of Qi and Duke Wen of Jin were prominent hegemons during the Spring and Autumn period, leading various feudal states. Centuries later, King Xuan of Qi during the Warring States period also aspired to be a hegemon, so he sought advice from Mencius. King Xuan asked Mencius, "Could you tell me about the deeds of Duke Huan of Qi and Duke Wen of Jin?"

Mencius replied, "I apologize, but disciples of Confucius traditionally do not speak of hegemons. We only speak of the Kingly Way, which unites the world through moral power."

King Xuan then asked, "What kind of morality is required to unify the world?"

Mencius said, "I once heard that when a new bell was cast and you were about to sacrifice an ox to it, you saw the ox, innocent and about to be killed, and felt compassion. With such a kind heart, you can practice the Kingly Way, implement benevolent governance, and unify the world. The question is not whether you can, but whether you choose to do it!"

"For example, if someone says, 'My strength can lift three thousand catties, but I cannot lift a feather; my eyesight can discern something as tiny as the fine hair of an animal in autumn, but I cannot see a cart full of firewood.' Would you believe such a statement?" King Xuan said, "Of course not!"

Mencius continued, "Indeed, it cannot be believed. Now, your compassion can be extended to animals, yet it cannot be extended to your people. This is equally difficult to believe. The reason why the common people cannot live in peace and contentment is precisely because you do not care about them. Clearly, these are all questions of choice, not capability. You ask if you can practice the Kingly Way and unify the world; the problem is the same: it's about not doing it, not being unable to do it!"