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Single Idea 8239

[filed under theme 21. Aesthetics / C. Artistic Issues / 7. Art and Morality ]

Full Idea

If the King has a great fondness for music, then perhaps there is hope for the state of Ch'i.

Gist of Idea

If the King likes music then there is hope for the state

Source

Mengzi (Mencius) (The Mengzi (Mencius) [c.332 BCE], 1.B.1)

Book Ref

Mencius: 'Mencius', ed/tr. Lau,D.C. [Penguin 1970], p.60


A Reaction

This seems to be Shakespeare's attitude to music as well. The general idea must be that love of music requires a selfless state of mind, where the mind revels in the beauty of something outside of itself. Respect is the desirable result.


The 10 ideas from 'The Mengzi (Mencius)'

Human nature is naturally compassionate and good (as a 'sprout'), but people may not be good [Mengzi (Mencius), by Norden]
Should a coward who ran fifty paces from a battle laugh at another who ran a hundred? [Mengzi (Mencius)]
Extend the treatment of the old and young in your family to the rest of society [Mengzi (Mencius)]
Seeking peace through war is like looking for fish up a tree [Mengzi (Mencius)]
Avoid the animals you are going to eat, as it is hard once you have got to know them [Mengzi (Mencius)]
A true king shares his pleasure with the people [Mengzi (Mencius)]
If the King likes music then there is hope for the state [Mengzi (Mencius)]
Only put someone to death if the whole population believes it is deserved [Mengzi (Mencius)]
Each correct feeling relies on an underlying virtue [Mengzi (Mencius)]
Righteousness is extending the unthinkable, to reveal what must be done [Mengzi (Mencius)]