This article covers a wide range of topics, and the paragraphs are closely linked in one go. The momentum of Mencius' prose stems from his firm personality, his views on himself, his firm beliefs and extensive knowledge. When he is full of energy, he uses appropriate words, so he speaks confidently, combines rigidity with softness, and his words are sharp.
However, this paper is not only ups and downs, magnificent, but also very rigorous in logic. On the surface, it is sloppy. In fact, it has always been around the central argument of "protecting the people is king", and the level has been clearly deepened step by step. From Qi Xuanwang's unbearable heart, he deduced the basis of his kingly way, and then discussed that it was not that he could not be king, but that he could not be king.
He doesn't claim to be king because he has a desire for hegemony, so he advocates that hegemony is infeasible and harmful. At this point, Mencius opened the blueprint of benevolent government, which dazzled the king of Qi and made him eager to promote kingly way. So Mencius told Qi Xuanwang the specific measures to promote kingly way. The full text is like a raging river, which is logical.
Extended data:
This article records Mencius' lobbying for Wang Xuan to implement benevolent policies. Explain that everyone has an unbearable heart. As long as he can carry forward this kind of kindness in his heart, push himself and others, and be kind to the people, it is not difficult to keep the people king. Through the dialogue between Mencius and Qi Xuanwang, this paper shows Mencius' kingly thought of "protecting the people as kings" and his political proposition of enriching the people and teaching the people, and also shows Mencius' eloquent character and superb argumentation skills.
His proposition is, first of all, to give people a certain industry so that they can support their families and live and work in peace and contentment. Then "courtesy and righteousness" will guide the people, strengthen ethical education, and thus realize the ideal of kingly way. This proposition reflects the people's desire to get rid of poverty and yearn for a stable life, and shows Mencius' spirit of caring for people's sufferings and pleading for the people, which is worthy of recognition.
But Mencius' thought also has its limitations. First, during the Warring States period, from division to reunification, war was inevitable. Mencius often opposed force in general, which seems out of touch with reality and out of date. Second, his thought of benevolent government is completely based on the theory of "goodness in nature", which seems too naive and simple. Although Mencius' thought has certain value, it is far from the society at that time, so it won't work.