孟子曰：
爱人不亲，反其仁，
治人不治，反其智；
礼人不答，反其敬。
行有不得者，皆反求诸己；
其身正，而天下归之。
诗云：
永言配命，自求多福。

    Mencius said, "If a man loves others, and not responsive attachment is shown to him, let him turn inwards and examin his own benevolence. If he is trying to rule others, and his government is unsucessful, let him turn inwards and examin his own wisdom. If he treats others politely, and they don not return his politeness, turn inwards and examin his own feeling of respect. When we do not, by that we do, realize what we desire, we must turn inwards and examin ourselves in every point. When a man's person is correct, the whole kingdom will turn to him with recognition and submission. It is said in the Book of Poetry,

Be always studious to be in harmony with ordinances of God,
And you will obtain much happiness."

(Trans by James Legge)

    Mencius said, "If others do not respond to your love with love, look into your own benevolence; if others fail to respond to your attempts to govern with order, look into your own wisdom; if others do not return your courtesy, look into your own respect. In other words, look into yourself whenever you fail to achieve your purpose. When you are correct in your person, the empire will turn to you. The Book of Odes says,

Long may be worthy of Heaven's Mandate,
And seek for himself much good fortune."

(Trans by 刘殿爵)