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Scope: Anti-Fatalism II Request type: Paragraph
Condition 1: References "而今天下之士君子" Matched:1.
Total 1 paragraphs. Page 1 of 1.

非命中 - Anti-Fatalism II

English translation: W. P. Mei [?] Library Resources
4 非命中:
是故昔者三代之暴王,不繆其耳目之淫,不慎其心志之辟,外之敺騁田獵畢弋,內沈於酒樂,
1不顧其國家百姓之政。繁為無用,暴逆百姓,使下不親其上,是故國為虛厲,身在刑僇之中
,必不能曰我見命焉
2
是故昔者三代之暴王,不繆其耳目之淫,不慎其心志之辟,外之敺騁田獵畢弋,內沈於酒樂,
3
不肯曰:
4『我5罷不肖,我為刑政不善』,必曰:『我命故且亡。』雖昔也三代之窮民,亦由此也。內之不能善事其親戚,外不能善事其君長,惡恭儉而好簡易,貪飲食而惰從事,衣食之財不足,使身至有饑寒凍餒之憂,必不能曰:『我罷不肖,我從事不疾』,必曰:『我命固且窮。』雖昔也三代之偽民,亦猶此也。繁飾有命,以教眾愚樸人久矣。聖王之患此也,故書之竹帛,琢之金石,於先王之書仲虺之告曰:『我聞有夏,人矯天命,布命于下,帝式是惡,用闕師。』此語夏王桀之執有命也,湯與仲虺共非之。先王之書太誓之言然曰:『紂夷之居,而不用事上帝,棄闕其先神而不祀也,曰:「我民有命,毋僇其務。」天不亦棄縱而不葆。』此言紂之執有命也,武王以太誓非也。有於三代不國有之曰:『女毋崇天之有命也。』命三不國亦言命之無也。於召公之執令於然,且:「『敬哉!無天命,惟予二人,而無造言,不自降天之哉得之。』在於商、夏之詩書曰:『命者暴王作之。』且今天下之士君子,將欲辯是非利害之故,當天有命者,不可不疾非也。」執有命者,此天下之厚害也,是故子墨子非也。
Anti-Fatalism II:
On the other hand, the wicked kings of the Three Dynasties did not control the lust of their ears and eyes and did not restrain the passions of their heart. When they went out they indulged in racing, hunting, and trapping. When they stayed indoors they revelled in wine and music. They did not attend to the government of the country and of the people, but they did much that was of no use. They oppressed the people, causing the subordinates not to love their superior. Hence the country became empty and without any future, and they themselves were in punishment and disaster. But they would not confess and say: "I am stupid and insolent and poor in administering the government." But they would say: "It is but my fate to perish." Even the miserable people of the Three Dynasties were like this. Within they could not well serve their parents, without they could not well serve their ruler. They disliked politeness and frugality but liked licence and ease. They indulged in drinking and eating and were lazy. The means of food and clothing became insufficient and they placed themselves in danger of hunger and cold. They would not confess: "I am stupid and insolent and was not diligent at work." But they would say: "It is but my fate to be poor." Such, then, also were the miserable people of the Three Dynasties. Fatalism has been glossed over and taught the stupid people. This was of great concern to the sage-kings, and they put it down on the bamboos and silk and cut it in metals and stone. Among the books of the early kings, "The Announcement of Zhong Hui" says: "I have heard the man of Xia issue orders, pretending them to be fate of Heaven. God was displeased and destroyed his forces." This shows how King Jie of Xia believed in fate and how both Tang and Zhong Hui thought it to be wrong. Among the books of early kings "The Great Declaration" says: "Zhou became insolent and would not worship God, and pushed away the ancestors and spirits without offering them sacrifices. And he said: 'Fortune is with my people,' and neglected and betrayed his duty. Heaven thereupon deserted him and withdrew its protection." This shows how Zhou believed in fate, and how King Wu proclaimed it to be wrong with "The Great Declaration." Again, "The Three Dynasties and Hundred States " says: " Do not place too much faith in the fate in Heaven." So "The Three Dynasties and Hundred States" also says there is no fate. Also "Shao Gong" in the same way discredits the belief in fate. It says: "Assuredly there is no fate in Heaven. Let us two not teach false doctrines. (One's destiny) does not come from Heaven, but is shaped by one's self." And it is said in the odes and books of Shang and Xia: "Fate is born of the wicked kings." So, then, if the gentlemen of the world desire to distinguish right and wrong, benefit and harm, fate of Heaven must be strenuously discredited. To hold there is fate is the great disaster of the world. And therefore Mozi refuted it.

1. 是故昔者三代之暴王,不繆其耳目之淫,不慎其心志之辟,外之敺騁田獵畢弋,內沈於酒樂, : Moved here from entry 4.
2. ,必不能曰我見命焉 : Moved to entry 3.
3. 是故昔者三代之暴王,不繆其耳目之淫,不慎其心志之辟,外之敺騁田獵畢弋,內沈於酒樂, : Moved to entry 4.
4. 不肯曰: : Inserted. 孫詒讓《墨子閒詁》
5. 我 : Originally read: "而".

Total 1 paragraphs. Page 1 of 1.