Mencius

“What is the point of mentioning the word ‘profit’? All that matters is that there should be benevolence and rightness.”

Mencius has been asked by a king whether he will be able to profit his state. Mencius’s response is intended to convey one of the basic ideas of the text: that the common good needs to be prioritized over self-interest and profit. If this is not done, the existence of the state will be at risk.

“It was by sharing their enjoyments with the people that the men of antiquity were able to enjoy themselves.”

Mencius has been asked whether kings can enjoy wealth or goods that are also accessible to the people. His answer is that this is the only true way to enjoy something. This response suggests that the way of benevolence is also the true path to happiness.

“‘The King received me,’ he said, ‘and told me that he was fond of music. I was at a loss what to say.’”

A man named Chuang Pao is relating this story to Mencius. It is surprising that a king should admit to such a thing. However, the anecdote serves as the basis for showing that shared enjoyment is preferable to the enjoyment of something by oneself.