Mencius

Opening with a discussion of funeral rites in connection with respect for one’s parents (section 2), Book III goes onto to reiterate the king’s material obligation to his people. This obligation is both moral and prudential. If the people lack “constant means,” or economic security, then it is not only that they will rebel: The king will have no moral grounds to punish them for doing so. This discussion sets up the central section and argument of this book (section 4). A man, Hsu Hsing, maintains that “a good and wise ruler shares the work of tilling of the land with his people. He rules while cooking his own meals” (58). He also argues that the king should share the wealth of his granaries and treasuries with the common folk.

Thus, Hsing can be understood as a kind of proto-democrat, or socialist. If the king must take a hand in the work of the people, it follows that the people must take a hand in the work of the king. If this is true, there is no need to have a division between king and people to begin with. While not explicitly stated, the logical consequence, and intent, of Hsing’s position is clear: There need not be a separate class of rulers; the people can rule themselves.