wéi为fù富bù不rén仁
To be rich and heartless; to be ruthless in the pursuit of wealth and show no benevolence.
Era:
Ancient
Frequency:
Antonym:
Story:
During the Warring States period, the ruler of the state of Teng wished to implement benevolent governance. His subordinates recommended Mencius, and the ruler humbly sought his advice on how to achieve this.
Mencius explained that those who are solely focused on accumulating wealth cannot practice benevolent governance, stating the principle that 'the rich are not benevolent, and the benevolent are not rich.'
He further advised that a ruler who practices benevolent governance imposes taxes with moderation; only when the common people are prosperous can the state truly become strong and wealthy.