There is a remark by Mencius where Heaven and Destiny are also juxtaposed as synonyms which can serve as a gloss on these terms. Mencius said, ‘When a thing is done though by no one, then it is the work of Heaven; when a thing comes about though no one brings it about, then it is decreed’ (V.A.6).11 Thus there are certain things which are brought about, not by human agency, but by Destiny. These are things over which human endeavour has no effect. Whether or not a man is going to end up with wealth, honour and long life is due to Destiny. No amount of effort on his part will make any
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