大道之行也,天下為公。選賢與能,講信修睦,故人不獨親其親,不獨子其子,使老有所終,壯有所用,幼有所長,鰥寡孤獨廢疾者皆有所養。男有分,女有歸,貨惡其棄於地也,不必藏於己。力惡其不出於身也,不必為己。是故謀閉而不興,盜竊亂賊而不
作,故外戶而不閉,是謂大同。
Confucius’ ideal of the Great Harmonious World is the common goal of mankind.
The Chapter of Great Harmony(Ta Tung)
Translation from Confucius (551B.C. – 479 B.C.)
When the Great Tao prevails, the world is for all. Officials are selected according to their virtue and capabilities.
Trustworthiness is promoted and good neighborliness cultivated. Hence, people do not regard as parents only their own parents;nor as children only their own children.
Elders are given good care; Adults are employed to contribute; Children are well nurtured.
Widows and widowers, orphans and the childless, the sick and the disabled are well cared for.
Men have their positions, and women their homes.
People dislike commodities being disregarded, yet need not keep them personally.
People dislike being idle, yet need not work for oneself.
This way, conspiracies and secrets have no place.
Robbers, thieves, outlaws, and rebels cannot exist.
Thus families need not shut their outer doors.
This is called the Great Harmony.