Mencius. Book VII: Tsin Sin. Part II. Chapter XV.
Legge's summary: The character of the disciple Yo-chang. Different degrees of attainment in character, which are to be aimed at.
1. Hâo-shang Pû-hâi asked, saying, 'What sort of man is Yo-chang?' Mencius replied, 'He is a good man, a real man.'
2. 'What do you mean by "A good man," "A real man?"'
3. The reply was, 'A man who commands our liking is what is called a good man.
4. 'He whose goodness is part of himself is what is called real man.
5. 'He whose goodness has been filled up is what is called beautiful man.
6. He whose completed goodness is brightly displayed is what is called a great man.
7. 'When this great man exercises a transforming influence, he is what is called a sage.
8. 'When the sage is beyond our knowledge, he is what is called a spirit-man.
9. 'Yo-chang is between the two first characters, and below the four last.'
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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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