The Doctrine of the Mean (Zhong Yong)ConfucianismAccepted ScriptureClassical ChineseShareThe Doctrine of the Mean 30James Legge (1861) - EnglishMoreVersion - 1 availableJames Legge (1861)LanguageEnglishEspañol‹The Doctrine of the Mean 1The Doctrine of the Mean 2The Doctrine of the Mean 3The Doctrine of the Mean 4The Doctrine of the Mean 5The Doctrine of the Mean 6The Doctrine of the Mean 7The Doctrine of the Mean 8The Doctrine of the Mean 9The Doctrine of the Mean 10The Doctrine of the Mean 11The Doctrine of the Mean 12The Doctrine of the Mean 13The Doctrine of the Mean 14The Doctrine of the Mean 15The Doctrine of the Mean 16The Doctrine of the Mean 17The Doctrine of the Mean 18The Doctrine of the Mean 19The Doctrine of the Mean 20The Doctrine of the Mean 21The Doctrine of the Mean 22The Doctrine of the Mean 23The Doctrine of the Mean 24The Doctrine of the Mean 25The Doctrine of the Mean 26The Doctrine of the Mean 27The Doctrine of the Mean 28The Doctrine of the Mean 29The Doctrine of the Mean 30The Doctrine of the Mean 31The Doctrine of the Mean 32The Doctrine of the Mean 33The Doctrine of the Mean 34The Doctrine of the Mean 35The Doctrine of the Mean 36The Doctrine of the Mean 37The Doctrine of the Mean 38The Doctrine of the Mean 39›Section 30 (1)The Doctrine of the Mean 30ListenPlay this chapter in spoken English.Save chapterListen to chapterThe Master said, "I may describe the ceremonies of the Xia dynasty, but Qi cannot sufficiently attest my words. I have learned the ceremonies of the Yin dynasty, and in Song they still continue. I have learned the ceremonies of Zhou, which are now used, and I follow Zhou." He who attains to the sovereignty of the kingdom, having those three important things, shall be able to effect that there shall be few errors under his government. However excellent may have been the regulations of those of former times, they cannot be attested. Not being attested, they cannot command credence, and not being credited, the people would not follow them. However excellent might be the regulations made by one in an inferior situation, he is not in a position to be honored. Unhonored, he cannot command credence, and not being credited, the people would not follow his rules. Therefore the institutions of the Ruler are rooted in his own character and conduct, and sufficient attestation of them is given by the masses of the people. He examines them by comparison with those of the three kings, and finds them without mistake. He sets them up before Heaven and Earth, and finds nothing in them contrary to their mode of operation. He presents himself with them before spiritual beings, and no doubts about them arise. He is prepared to wait for the rise of a sage a hundred ages after, and has no misgivings. His presenting himself with his institutions before spiritual beings, without any doubts arising about them, shows that he knows Heaven. His being prepared, without any misgivings, to wait for the rise of a sage a hundred ages after, shows that he knows men. Such being the case, the movements of such a ruler, illustrating his institutions, constitute an example to the world for ages. His acts are for ages a law to the kingdom. His words are for ages a lesson to the kingdom. Those who are far from him look longingly for him; and those who are near him are never wearied with him. It is said in the Book of Poetry,-"Not disliked there, not tired of here, from day to day and night tonight, will they perpetuate their praise." Never has there been a ruler, who did not realize this description, that obtained an early renown throughout the kingdom. ‹Previous chapterThe Doctrine of the Mean 29Next chapterThe Doctrine of the Mean 31›Similar passagesBy tradition and source labelFind similarCompare selectedCompare with similarAsk Deep ThoughtSelect passages to search for parallels.Tap any verse to select it, then compare selected passages or ask Deep Thought. Public domain