To feed men and not to love them is to treat them as if they were barnyard cattle. To love them and not respect them is to treat them as if they were household pets.
MenciusRead
If the King loves music, it is well with the land.
Interpretation
What this quote means
A ruler's appreciation for music reflects a positive and harmonious society.
This quote by Mencius suggests that when a leader values and loves music, it indicates a prosperous and harmonious state. Music is often seen as a form of art that can uplift the spirit and bring people together, so a king who appreciates it implies a benevolent and caring leadership that fosters a thriving community.
Themes
MusicKingLoveSocietyHarmony
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about the importance of the arts in education, one might reference this quote.
More from Mencius
All quotes βLet not a man do what his sense of right bids him not to do, nor desire what it forbids him to desire. This is sufficient. The skillful artist will not alter his measures for the sake of a stupid workman.
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I dislike death, however, there are some things I dislike more than death. Therefore, there are times when I will not avoid danger.
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Every duty is a charge, but the charge of oneself is the root of all others.
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Truth uttered before its time is dangerous.
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Where it is permissible both to die and not to die, it is an abuse of valour to die.
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You can't expect someone born into a family with no music... to understand when I'm conducting the Schoenberg Variations.
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