Xu Xiaochang
The Book of Songs says: "Look at the Qi Bay, the bamboos are lush. There is a gentleman who is as sharp as a knife and as polished as a jade. He is solemn and majestic, and he is loud and noisy. A gentleman who is not loud and noisy in the end." "As sharp as a knife" means Taoism. "As polished as a jade" means self-cultivation. "Stern and graceful" means modesty. "Brilliant and loud" means majesty. "A gentleman who is not loud and noisy in the end" means that the Tao is prosperous and the virtue is the best, which people cannot forget. The Book of Songs says, "Ah, the former kings are not forgotten!" The gentleman honors the virtuous and loves his relatives, while the villain enjoys his pleasure and benefits from his benefits. This is why he never forgets. The Kanggao says, "Be able to make your virtues clear." The Dajia says, "Look back at the clear mandate of heaven." The Didian says, "Be able to make your virtues clear." They are all self-evident. The Pan Inscription of Tang says, "If you are new every day, you will be new every day, and you will be new every day." The Kanggao says, "Be a new citizen." The Book of Songs says, "Although Zhou is an old country, its mandate is to be renewed." Therefore, a gentleman will do everything to the utmost. The Book of Songs says: "The borders of the state are a thousand miles, and the people live there." The Book of Songs says: "The yellow bird of the wild land rests on the corner of the hill." Confucius said: "If one knows where to rest, how can one be a human being and not be like a bird?" The Book of Songs says: "The King Wen is dignified and respectful!" As a ruler, one should be kind; as a minister, one should be respectful; as a son, one should be filial; as a father, one should be kind; as a friend to the people, one should be trustworthy. Confucius said: "When hearing a lawsuit, I am just like everyone else. I must make sure there are no lawsuits!" The heartless cannot speak their mind, and they are greatly afraid of the people's will. This is called knowing the root".
