说苑/孟子曰：「人知糞其田，莫知糞其心。

孟子曰：「人知糞其田，莫知糞其心。

Eric Henry

Mengzi said, “People know that they must spread fertilizer on their fields but do not know that they must spread fertilizer on their hearts.

糞田莫過利苗得粟，糞心易行，而得其所欲。

Eric Henry

Fertilizing one’s fields is done merely to help new sprouts grow and to obtain grain, but fertilizing the heart transforms a person’s behavior and enables him to realize his desires.

何為糞心？

Eric Henry

What is meant by fertilizing the heart?

博學多聞。

Eric Henry

It is to study widely and consult with many.

何為易行？

Eric Henry

What is meant by transforming behavior?

一性止淫也。」

Eric Henry

It is to free one’s whole nature from wanton excess.