Zhongyong – The Doctrine of the Mean

The superior man does what is proper to the station in which he is; he does not desire to go beyond this.

Legge XIV.1.

处在富贵的环境中，就按富贵的人所应做的去做；处在贫贱的环境中，就按贫贱的人所应做的去做；处在落后部落的环境中，就按落后部落的习俗去做；处在忧患灾难的环境中，就按在忧患灾难环境中所能做的去做。君子无论遇到什么情况，没有不悠然自得，各得其乐的。

白话翻译

In a position of wealth and honor, he does what is proper to a position of wealth and honor. In a poor and low position, he does what is proper to a poor and low position. Situated among barbarous tribes, he does what is proper to a situation among barbarous tribes. In a position of sorrow and difficulty, he does what is proper to a position of sorrow and difficulty. The superior man can find himself in no situation in which he is not himself.

Legge XIV.2.

在上层位置上，不对下层人无礼；在下层地位上，不攀附上层人，端正自己，不苛求别人，就没有怨恨；上不埋怨天，下不责怪人。

白话翻译

In a high situation, he does not treat with contempt his inferiors. In a low situation, he does not court the favor of his superiors. He rectifies himself, and seeks for nothing from others, so that he has no dissatisfactions. He does not murmur against Heaven, nor grumble against men.

Legge XIV.3.

所以君子能安处自己的环境来等待天命的安排，小人则冒险来妄求得到侥幸于万一。

白话翻译

Thus it is that the superior man is quiet and calm, waiting for the appointments of Heaven, while the mean man walks in dangerous paths, looking for lucky occurrences.

Legge XIV.4.

孔子说：“行礼时的射箭，有些像君子一般，偏离了靶心，就反躬自问，求之于自己。”

白话翻译

The Master said, "In archery we have something like the way of the superior man. When the archer misses the center of the target, he turns round and seeks for the cause of his failure in himself."

Legge XIV.5.

君子实行中庸之道，譬如走远路，一定从近处起步；登高山，一定要从低地方走起。

白话翻译