Mencius
Mencius, also known as Mengzi, stands as a pivotal figure in Chinese philosophy, revered for his expansion and interpretation of Confucian thought.
Born around 372 BCE in the State of Zou, he lived during the tumultuous Warring States period, where his ideas sought to restore moral order amidst pervasive social upheaval. Mencius asserted the intrinsic goodness of human nature, positing that people possess an inherent capacity for compassion and righteousness, which must be nurtured through education and good governance.
His dialogues and teachings, documented in the text aptly named "Mencius," delve into the application of moral philosophy to governance, ethics, and personal conduct, making profound contributions to the development of Confucianism and influencing generations of scholars and leaders across East Asia. Mencius's emphasis on the potential for human goodness continues to resonate within philosophical discourse and practical ethics to this day.
Editors Pick
Let men decide firmly what they will not do, and they will be free to do vigorously what they ought to do.
-
Mencius
All Quotes by Mencius
People can have a long-term life plan only if they know their private property is secure.
-
Mencius
He who attends to his greater self becomes a great man, and he who attends to his smaller self becomes a small man.
-
Mencius
There is no greater delight than to be conscious of sincerity on self-examination.
-
Mencius
A trail through the mountains, if used, becomes a path in a short time, but, if unused, becomes blocked by grass in an equally short time.
-
Mencius
Let not a man do what his sense of right bids him not to do, nor desire what it forbids him to desire. This is sufficient. The skillful artist will not alter his measures for the sake of a stupid workman.
-
Mencius
The people are the most important element in a nation; the spirits of the land and grain are the next; the sovereign is the least.
-
Mencius
Let men decide firmly what they will not do, and they will be free to do vigorously what they ought to do.
-
Mencius
I like fish, and I also like bear's paws. If I cannot have the two together, I will let the fish go, and take the bear's paws. So, I like life, and I also like righteousness. If I cannot keep the two together, I will let life go, and choose righteousness.
-
Mencius
Evil exists to glorify the good. Evil is negative good. It is a relative term. Evil can be transmuted into good. What is evil to one at one time, becomes good at another time to somebody else.
-
Mencius