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San-tsi King.
In the beginning of man, his nature is good.[1] The operation of nature is immediate; of custom, remote.
If not instructed, nature becomes changed. In learning the path of virtue, excellence consists in devoted application of mind.
In ancient times, the mother of the philosopher Meng-tsi lived in a neighbourhood, where the boy did not learn; in consequence of which, through grief, she cut asunder the web which she was weaving.
Tao, who lived at Yen-shan, adopted wise plans in the education of five sons, and all became illustrious.
- ↑ This is explained as referring to every person at the time of birth.
