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
The Tao is near and people seek it far away.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote suggests that profound truths or guidance are often found close to home, yet many people look for them in distant places.
Mencius, a key figure in Confucianism, points out the irony that individuals often overlook the wisdom and truths that are readily available in their immediate surroundings. Instead of recognizing the inherent nature of virtue and understanding within themselves and their communities, they mistakenly search for enlightenment or deeper meaning far away, thus missing the essence of life and self-discovery that is present in their everyday existence.
Themes
TaoWisdomTruthSelfUnderstanding
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about personal growth, one might cite this quote to emphasize looking within.
More from Mencius
All quotes βIf the King loves music, it is well with the land.
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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.
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I dislike death, however, there are some things I dislike more than death. Therefore, there are times when I will not avoid danger.
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Every duty is a charge, but the charge of oneself is the root of all others.
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Truth uttered before its time is dangerous.
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