Mencius. Book IV: Lî Lâu. Part I. Chapter XI.
Legge's summary: The tranquil prosperity of the kingdom depends on the discharge of the common relations of life.
Mencius said, 'The path of duty lies in what is near, and men seek for it in what is remote. The work of duty lies in what is easy, and men seek for it in what is difficult. If each man would love his parents and show the due respect to his elders, the whole land would enjoy tranquillity.'
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Translated by
James Legge, published in 1861 and revised for publication in 1895. Prepared as etext by Stephen R. McIntyre. Noded by
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