Tag: Zisi

“Heaven has cast us off” – Tsu-li to King Zhou of Shang in the Shujing

Posted on No Comments on “Heaven has cast us off” – Tsu-li to King Zhou of Shang in the Shujing

Tsu-li announces to king Zhou-xin (the last emperor of Shang dynasty), that Heaven has abandoned him, because of his dissolute way. “Heaven is bringing an end to the Mandate of our dynasty. (…) It is not that the former kings do not aid us, but by your dissoluteness and sport you bring on the end … Continue reading “Heaven has cast us off” – Tsu-li to King Zhou of Shang in the Shujing

Mencius on Ending the Unrighteous – The Works of Mencius

Posted on No Comments on Mencius on Ending the Unrighteous – The Works of Mencius

“If you know that a thing is unrighteous, then use all despatch in putting an end to it — why wait until next year?” (Mencius, Bk. III.VIII) The Minervan-principle is about fighting for what’s right, moved by a moral disposition to do good, understand, and relieve humanity and other life each day a little more … Continue reading Mencius on Ending the Unrighteous – The Works of Mencius

Zisi speaks on being accountable for our actions, for abandoning the path of virtue, and causing suffering under heavens watch.

“Some men who have not complied with virtue will yet not acknowledge their offences, and when Heaven has by evident tokens charged them to correct their conduct, they still say, “What are these things to us?” (Zisi, Zhongyong, 4.9)

 

Posted on No Comments on Zisi: Virtue and Accountable Actions | Doctrine of the Mean