Page 255 - 《孟子》（一）中·英对照版

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profession, therefore, is a thing in which great
caution is required. Confucius said, ‘It is virtuous
manners which constitute the excellence of a
neighbourhood. If a man, in selecting a residence,
do not fix on one where such prevail, how can he
be wise?’ Now, benevolence is the most honourable
dignity conferred by Heaven, and the quiet home in
which man should dwell. Since no one can hinder
us from being so, if yet we are not benevolent; —
this is being not wise. From the want of benevolence
and the want of wisdom will ensue the entire
absence of propriety and righteousness;—he who
is in such a case must be the servant of other men.
To be the servant of men and yet ashamed of such
servitude, is like a bow-maker's being ashamed to
make bows, or an arrow-maker’s being ashamed to
make arrows. If he be ashamed of his case, his best
course is to practise benevolence. The man who
would be benevolent is like the archer. The archer

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