Zhongyong – The Doctrine of the Mean

Confucius' grandson comments about the Way and human nature. Tr. Legge (en)

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II III IV V VI VII VIII IX X XI XII
XIII XIV XV XVI XVII XVIII XIX XX XXI
XXII XXIII XXIV XXV XXVI XXVII XXVIII XXIX XXX XXXI XXXII
XXXIII

XXIII. The way of man;– the development of perfect sincerity in those not naturally possessed of it.

Zhongyong XXIII. 1.

Next to the above is he who cultivates to the utmost the shoots of goodness in him. From those he can attain to the possession of sincerity. This sincerity becomes apparent. From being apparent, it becomes manifest. From being manifest, it becomes brilliant. Brilliant, it affects others. Affecting others, they are changed by it. Changed by it, they are transformed. It is only he who is possessed of the most complete sincerity that can exist under heaven, who can transform.

Legge XXIII.

至诚的效果可以事先知道。国家将兴旺，一定有吉祥的预兆；国家将灭亡，一定有怪异的凶兆。它表现在占卜龟壳的裂纹或占筮的著草排列上，也表现在人们四肢的举止仪态上。灾祸或福气将要到来，是福，一定有预感；是祸，也一定有预感，所以至诚的心犹如有神明一般。

白话翻译

Zhongyong XXIII.