About Mencius
-372 - -289
Biography
Biography
Mencius (c. 372-289 BCE), named Ke with the courtesy name Ziyu, was from Zou State (present-day Zoucheng, Shandong) during the Warring States period. An important representative of Confucianism, revered as the "Second Sage." Born into a declining noble family, he lost his father early and was raised by his mother. He traveled to Qi, Song, Teng, Wei, and other states to promote his political ideas. He advocated "the people are most important, the ruler least important" and developed Confucius' concept of benevolent governance. In his later years, he returned home and wrote with disciples like Wanzhang.
Philosophical System
Philosophical System
Mencius' philosophy centers on the "theory of innate goodness," believing human nature is inherently good and evil results from environmental influences. He advocated "benevolent governance," emphasizing rulers should practice virtuous politics. He proposed the political thought that "the people are most important, the ruler least important." He emphasized cultivating "noble spirit" through moral cultivation to elevate spiritual realm. In education, he advocated "teaching according to aptitude" and emphasized heuristic education.
Major Works
Major Works
The Mencius, consisting of seven books: King Hui of Liang, Gongsun Chou, Duke Wen of Teng, Li Lou, Wan Zhang, Gaozi, and Jin Xin. The book records Mencius' sayings and thoughts and is one of the Confucian classics known as the "Four Books." It contains numerous political dialogues, philosophical debates, and educational thoughts, written with eloquent style and rigorous logic.
Historical Significance
Historical Significance
Mencius inherited and developed Confucius' thoughts, becoming one of the important founders of Confucianism. His "theory of innate goodness" and "people-centered thought" profoundly influenced ancient Chinese political philosophy. Mencius' thoughts were elevated to equal status with Confucius during the Song Dynasty and became important content in imperial examinations. The democratic elements in his political thought provided important inspiration for later generations.
Cultural Influence
Cultural Influence
Mencius' thoughts became an important component of orthodox Confucian thought. His "theory of innate goodness" influenced ancient Chinese educational concepts and moral values. The idea of "people being more important than rulers" laid the foundation for later people-centered thought. In modern times, Mencius' theories of human nature and political thought still have important theoretical value and practical significance.
Key Concepts
Key Concepts
Theory of innate goodness, benevolent governance, people more important than rulers, noble spirit, four beginnings (sprouts of benevolence, righteousness, propriety, wisdom), kingly way (ruling through virtue), teaching according to aptitude
Quotes by Mencius
Explore the essence of this wise thinker's thoughts
When Heaven is about to confer a great responsibility on any man, it will exercise his mind with suffering, subject his sinews and bones to hard work, expose his body to hunger, put him to poverty, place obstacles in the paths of his deeds, so as to stimulate his mind, harden his nature, and improve wherever he is incompetent.
天将降大任于斯人也，必先苦其心志，劳其筋骨，饿其体肤，空乏其身，行拂乱其所为，所以动心忍性，曾益其所不能。
Source: Mencius: Gaozi II
Wealth and honor cannot corrupt, poverty and lowliness cannot sway, and power and force cannot bend.
富贵不能淫，贫贱不能移，威武不能屈。
Source: Mencius
Life is what I desire, and righteousness is also what I desire. If I cannot have both, I will forsake life and choose righteousness.
生亦我所欲也，义亦我所欲也；二者不可得兼，舍生而取义者也
Source: Mencius - Gao Zi (Upper)