AnonyMencius Boshu :verywise: on Nostr: Liu Guan asked the Master, "Are the barbarians (南蠻) who move into our towns owed ...

Liu Guan asked the Master, "Are the barbarians (南蠻) who move into our towns owed benevolence (仁)?"
The Master said: "The Great Mencius taught that we know a human from an animal if they possess the four sprouts (端): Benevolence (仁), Righteousness (義), Ritual Propriety (禮), and Wisdom (智). Do the barbarians practice these? Where is their Benevolence when they cannot treat even their own children and pets with dignity? Where is their Righteousness when they commit over half of the crimes? Where is their Propriety when they cannot observe quietude in the public square or after dark? Where is their Wisdom when they cannot fathom cause and effect?"
Liu Guan replied, "A eunuch tried to tell me that they would bring much wealth to our economy, but I see now that they are like an ox purchased for my farm that possesses rabies. They bring only destruction and weariness, and will till no soil or erect no barns."
The Master exclaimed: "Truly, you see clearly! Any many who would take such a one into their land to reduce a little work will heap sorrow upon sorrow."