The Doctrine of the Mean. Chapter 4.

1. The Master said, "I know how it is that the path of the Mean is not walked in: ‹ The knowing go beyond it, and the stupid do not come up to it. I know how it is that the path of the Mean is not understood: ‹ The men of talents and virtue go beyond it, and the worthless do not come up to it.

2. "There is no body but eats and drinks. But they are few who can distinguish flavors."

Text source: The Doctrine of the Mean. Translated by James Legge.

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China - Ancient - Philosophy - Chinese Confucians - Chinese translation