Chapter 17

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第十七章: 子曰：「舜其大孝也與！德為聖人，尊為天子，富有四海之內。宗廟饗之，子孫保之。故大德必得其位，必得其祿，必得其名，必得其壽。故天之生物，必因其材而篤焉 ; 故栽者培之，傾者覆之。詩曰：『嘉樂君子，憲憲令德 ; 宜民宜人，受祿于天 ; 保佑命之，自天申之。』故大德者必受命。」

Confucius said, "Shun showed great filial piety! His virtue was that of a sage; his dignity was that of an emperor; his wealth contained within the four seas. A temple was built to honor him and his descendants maintained for him. Therefore having such a great virtue, he would obtain the throne, that he would obtain those riches, that he would obtain his fame, and that he would attain longevity. Thus Heaven created matter according to their qualities and abilities. Hence the willing will be guided and the unwilling will be left. The Book of Poetry stated, 'A person of noble character displays kindness and excelling virtue will help its citizen and people. Therefore, Heaven will grant dignity, protection, assistance, and decreed him the throne.' Thus, a person of great virtuous will be sure to receive the Mandate of Heaven."