Mencius. Book VII: Tsin Sin. Part I. Chapter XII.
Legge's summary: When a ruler's aim is evidently the people's good, they will not murmur at his harshest measures.
Mencius said, 'Let the people be employed in the way which is intended to secure their ease, and though they be toiled, they will not murmur. Let them be put to death in the way which is intended to preserve their lives, and though they die, they will not murmur at him who puts them to death.'
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Translated by
James Legge, published in 1861 and revised for publication in 1895. Prepared as etext by Stephen R. McIntyre. Noded by
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