Mencius. Book 4, Part 1, Chapter 10.
Book 4, Le Low. Part 1.
1. Mencius said, "With those who do violence to themselves, it is impossible to speak. With those who throw themselves away, it is impossible to do anything. To disown in his conversation propriety and righteousness, is what we mean by doing violence to one's self. To say ‹ 'I am not able to dwell in benevolence or pursue the path of righteousness,' is what we mean by throwing one's self away.
2. "Benevolence is the tranquil habitation of man, and righteousness is his straight path.
3. "Alas for them, who leave the tranquil dwelling empty, and do not resid in it, and who abandon the right path and do not pursue it!"
Book 4, Le Low. Part 1.
1. Mencius said, "With those who do violence to themselves, it is impossible to speak. With those who throw themselves away, it is impossible to do anything. To disown in his conversation propriety and righteousness, is what we mean by doing violence to one's self. To say ‹ 'I am not able to dwell in benevolence or pursue the path of righteousness,' is what we mean by throwing one's self away.
2. "Benevolence is the tranquil habitation of man, and righteousness is his straight path.
3. "Alas for them, who leave the tranquil dwelling empty, and do not resid in it, and who abandon the right path and do not pursue it!"
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Text source: The Works of Mencius. Translated by James Legge.
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