Zhongyong – The Doctrine of the Mean

Confucius' grandson comments about the Way and human nature. Tr. Legge (en)

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II III IV V VI VII VIII IX X XI XII
XIII XIV XV XVI XVII XVIII XIX XX XXI
XXII XXIII XXIV XXV XXVI XXVII XXVIII XXIX XXX XXXI XXXII
XXXIII

XIII. The path of the Mean is not far to seek. Each man has the law of it in himself, and it is to be pursued with earnest sincerity.

Zhongyong XIII. 3.

"When one cultivates to the utmost the principles of his nature, and exercises them on the principle of reciprocity, he is not far from the path. What you do not like when done to yourself, do not do to others.

Legge XIII.3.

君子行为准则有四项，我孔丘可一项也没能完全做好：比如要求儿子对待我的，我也这样对待父亲，我没能完全做到；要求臣下对待国君的，我也这样对待国君，我没能完全做到；要求弟弟对待兄长的，我也这样对待兄长，我没能完全做到；要求朋友对待我的，我先这样对待他，我没能完全做到。一般道德的实行，一般言语的谨慎，我做得不够，不敢不努力；做得很好，也不敢说做够了，应该再努一把力。说话时要顾及实践，实践时顾及所说的话，两相无疚，君子为什么还不急急于实行呢？”

白话翻译

Zhongyong XIII. 3.