“The Book of Mengzi is divided into seven volumes, each subdivided into two parts. In all probability it was compiled by pupils of Mengzi after his death. Zhu Xi grouped it with the Discourses, the Great Learning, and the Doctrine of the Mean as the “Four Books.” From then on they ranked as Classics. The following selections consist of Volume Six, part 1, in full, which is the most important portion of the book, and selected passages from other volumes.”