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Commentary Chapter 2: Renovating the People, read aloud

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The Great Learning · 3 of 11

Commentary Chapter 2: Renovating the People

On the bathing tub of T'ang, the following words were engraved: "If you can one day renovate yourself, do so from day to day. Yea, let there be daily renovation." In the Announcement to K'ang, it is said, "To stir up the new people." In the Book of Poetry, it is said, "Although Chau was an ancient state the ordinance which lighted on it was new." Therefore, the superior man in everything uses his utmost endeavors.

Echoes elsewhere

The Doctrine of the Mean · Confucianismof such a ruler, illustrating his institutions, constitute an example to the world for ages. His acts are for ages a law to the kingdom. His words are for ages a lesson to the king Moral Letters to Lucilius · Stoicismthere is any reward that virtue receives at the hands of fame, not even this can pass away. We ourselves, indeed, shall not be affected by the talk of posterity; nevertheless, post Selections from the Writings of Kierkegaard · Christianitybetter self, unsubstantial, to be sure, like a mere memory, but also transfigured as is a memory. Therefore shall no one be forgotten who has done great deeds; and even if there be