To feed men and not to love them is to treat them as if they were barnyard cattle. To love them and not respect them is to treat them as if they were household pets.
MenciusRead
I dislike death, however, there are some things I dislike more than death. Therefore, there are times when I will not avoid danger.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes the importance of facing danger for the sake of greater values.
Mencius expresses a profound understanding of courage and the human condition, suggesting that while death is to be feared, there are circumstances that warrant risking one's life for principles or greater causes. His words highlight the idea that some ideals are so significant that they justify facing peril and overcoming fear.
Themes
CourageDeathDangerValuesPrinciples
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can inspire a speech about bravery in the face of adversity.
More from Mencius
All quotes βIf the King loves music, it is well with the land.
MenciusRead
Let not a man do what his sense of right bids him not to do, nor desire what it forbids him to desire. This is sufficient. The skillful artist will not alter his measures for the sake of a stupid workman.
MenciusRead
Every duty is a charge, but the charge of oneself is the root of all others.
MenciusRead
Truth uttered before its time is dangerous.
MenciusRead
Where it is permissible both to die and not to die, it is an abuse of valour to die.
MenciusRead
Similar quotes
Seeing their children touched and seared and wounded by race prejudice is one of the heaviest crosses which colored women have to bear.
Mary Church TerrellRead
Harry, you wonderful boy, you brave, brave man.
J. K. RowlingRead
Emeth came walking forward into the open strip of grass between the bonfire and the Stable. His eyes were shining, his face was solemn, his hand was on his sword-hilt, and he carried his head high. Jill felt like crying when she looked at his face. And Jewel whispered in the King's ear, "By the Lion's Mane, I almost love this young warrior, Calormene though he be. He is worthy of a better god than Tash.
C. S. LewisRead
I had 2 choices, be silent and get killed, or speak up and be killed, I chose the second option.
Malala YousafzaiRead
Anyone can support a team that is winning - it takes no courage. But to stand behind a team to defend a team when it is down and really needs you, that takes a lot of courage.
Bart StarrRead
Fear of suffering is worse than the suffering itself.
Paulo CoelhoRead