Page 258 - 《孟子》（四）中·英对照版

?孟
子

respect to their words, but they say, ‘The ancients!
The ancients! Why do they act so peculiarly, and are
so cold and distant? Born in this age, we should be
of this age, to be good is all that is needed.’ Eunuch-
like, flattering their generation—such are your good
careful men of the villages.”

Wan Zhang said, “Their whole village styles
those men good and careful. In all their conduct they
are so. How was it that Confucius considered them
the thieves of virtue?”

Mencius replied, “If you would blame them,
you find nothing to allege. If you would criticise
them, you have nothing to criticise. They agree
with the current customs. They consent with an
impure age. Their principles have a semblance of
right-heartedness and truth. Their conduct has a
semblance of disinterestedness and purity. All men
are pleased with them, and they think themselves
right, so that it is impossible to proceed with them

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