"Mencius Gaozi" Warring States Period·Mencius
Original text:
The emperor's duty to the princes is called hunting patrol. For the emperor, it is said to be a report of one's duties. A person who reports one's duties refers to one's duties.
Vernacular translation:
The emperor (emperor) patrolled and inspected the territory that the princes defended for (for) him. In autumn, we inspect the harvest and provide relief to farmers who are short of food. Entering a certain vassal state, (where) the land is cultivated a lot, the fields are well cultivated, the elderly are supported, the wise are respected, and the talented people serve as officials, then there will be rewards, and they will be rewarded with land. Extended information
Creative background:
"Gaozi" is a chapter in the book "Mencius", divided into two chapters: the upper and lower chapters. Mencius and Gaozi were both from the Warring States Period. Mencius held the theory that human nature is good (people are born with the power to do good), and Gaozi held the theory of neither good nor evil (that is, people are born with no good or evil). "Gaozi" begins with a debate between the two. , which focuses on Mencius’s theories on human nature, morality and related theories.
"Mencius·Gaozi" records the discussion about human nature and morality between Mencius and his student Gaozi (some say he is a student of Mozi); similar to "The Analects"; it is Mencius' "Theory of Good Nature" A more complete reflection of thought. Related are issues of benevolence, morality and personal cultivation. Issues such as spirit and matter, sensibility and rationality, human nature and animality are also covered. The whole story has 20 chapters.