148 Quotes by Mencius

The people are the most important element in a nation; the spirits of the land and grain are the next; the sovereign is the least.

The root of the kingdom is in the state. The root of the state is in the family. The root of the family is in the person of its head.

If Confucius wasn't born, the long night would have no bright lamp.

Secure property in hand leads to peace in mind.

A trail through the mountains, if used, becomes a path in a short time, but, if unused, becomes blocked by grass in an equally short time.

Without effective protection of the citizens' right to property, it will be difficult to attract and accumulate valuable capital.

Let men decide firmly what they will not do, and they will be free to do vigorously what they ought to do.

The ways are two: love and want of love. That is all.

The five kinds of grains are considered good plants, but if the grains are not ripe, they are worse than cockles. It is the same with regard to kindness, which must grow into maturity.