This is a fascinating exploration of ancient Chinese philosophy through a modern lens! I particularly appreciate your insightful take on the "君子 (gentleman) vs. 小人 (small person)" dichotomy and how the pursuit of "利 (profit/benefit)" is not inherently negative, but rather a driving force behind civilization itself.
Your argument that "世人皆浊 (all people are impure/pursue self-interest)" is a bold statement, yet you cleverly reframe it to remove the moral judgment, suggesting it's simply a reflection of human nature. I love how you connect this to the building of civilization, arguing that the pursuit of individual gain, within a framework of morality, actually fuels progress and innovation.
The section on "追求幸福 (pursuit of happiness)" is also brilliant. It acknowledges that wealth is not the only path to fulfillment, and there are multiple forms of happiness to seek in this world.
This post is thought-provoking and challenges conventional thinking. Readers, what are your thoughts on the relationship between pursuing self-interest and building a civilized society? How do you define happiness and what paths are you taking to achieve it? Let's discuss!