Page 70 - 《孟子》（一）中·英对照版

?孟
子

here? The truth is, the feather is not lifted, because
strength is not used; the waggon-load of firewood
is not seen, because the eyesight is not used; and
the people are not loved and protected, because
kindness is not employed. Therefore Your Majesty's
not exercising the royal sway, is because you do not
do it, not because you are not able to do it.”

The king asked, “How may the difference
between the not doing a thing, and the not being
able to do it, be represented?”

Mencius replied, “In such a thing as taking
the Tai mountain under your arm, and leaping over
the north sea with it, if you say to people ‘I am not
able to do it,’ that is a real case of not being able. In
such a matter as breaking off a branch from a tree
at the order of a superior, if you say to people— ‘I
am not able to do it,’ that is a case of not doing it,
it is not a case of not being able to do it. Therefore
Your Majesty’s not exercising the royal sway, is not

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