Chapter 35: The Starting Point Begins Here

The starting point begins here.

111 chapters,

The starting point begins here…

Liu Guozong

Kongzi said: "The Gentleman observes the mean; the petty person opposes the mean."

Why does the petty person oppose the mean?

Kongzi answered, saying: "The petty person has no scruples."

The petty person does whatever he wants, without restraint.

Yearning for freedom, shedding bonds, flying freely like a little bird—perhaps this is human nature?

However, if people were completely like little birds, then they could not be called humans; they would be birds. So people should still have some norms and restraints. But Kongzi's standards for people are too high, not something ordinary people can achieve. Therefore, Kongzi also said: "The Gentleman's mean is indeed the Gentleman's timely mean."

This is Kongzi's standard for the Gentleman: that speech and conduct be reasonable and proper, conforming to norms. Following Kongzi's demand, this 'mean' is also too difficult; no wonder Kongzi said: "The world can be equalized, ranks and salaries can be declined, but the mean is impossible."

Kongzi said, the state can be governed, office can be resigned, even a snow‑white blade can be trampled and crossed, but to achieve the mean is difficult.

This is the starting point; the ancients have a line from the Classic of Poetry: "To gaze a thousand miles farther, climb one more story." That is to say, people at different levels and realms will see different scenery.

Those birds that fix their gaze on low‑lying grass will never see the boundless scenery atop the high mountains.

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