Original Way (7)

Author: Chen Ming
Publisher:
Publishing Time: Not Available
Features: Mr. Sima Guang believed that Mr. Kong Ji's views were the same as Mr. Meng Ke's, but we do not agree. Mr. Kong Ji thought that the highest benefit is the highest benevolence and righteousness, and the two are inherently unified. If a ruler pursues the interests of the state, he is a benevolent and righteous king. If a ruler pursues the interests of the state but is not a benevolent and righteous king, could he be a cruel king? Mr. Meng Ke made a decisive split, dividing it into two halves—one "benefit" and the other "benevolence and righteousness," making the two mutually exclusive and sharply opposed. What is the meaning of "benevolence and righteousness"? What is the meaning of "benefit"? Is building bridges and roads benevolence and righteousness or benefit? Is developing commerce benevolence and righteousness or benefit? From the dialogue between Mr. Meng Ke and Mr. Kong Ji, it can be seen that Mr. Meng Ke was not convinced but instead. Although Mr. Kong Ji was a teacher, he did not have many students who favored his views. Mr. Meng Ke's ideas, which emphasize the distinction between "benevolence and benefit" and the binary thinking model of the decisive split, have influenced Chinese intellectuals for over a thousand years.