性善论

Mencius on Human Nature

Confucianism · concept

Mencius's doctrine that human nature is inherently good. People are born with the Four Seeds of virtue (ren, yi, li, zhi), which must be cultivated to flourish. Mencius argued people are born with four innate seeds of virtue: compassion (ren), shame (yi), deference (li), and discernment (zhi). This became the orthodox Confucian position on human nature.

As Confucius taught through the Analects and as the Confucian tradition of self-cultivation holds, Mencius on Human Nature represents a key concept that continues to inform philosophical thought and practice today.

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What Are the Key Facts About Mencius on Human Nature?

  • Tradition: Confucianism
  • Chinese: 性善论
  • Category: Concept
  • Definition: Mencius's doctrine that human nature is inherently good.

What Concepts Are Related to Mencius on Human Nature?

Ren 仁
Foundation of
Mencius argues that the Four Seeds naturally develop into ren and the other virtues
 Confucius 孔子
Entity Entity
Confucius's teachings on human nature were developed by Mencius
 Confucius 孔子
Entity Entity
Mencius developed Confucius's teachings on inherent human goodness
 Zhi 智
Foundation of
Zhi is one of Mencius's four seeds of virtue
 Mencius 孟子
Authored
Mencius's doctrine that human nature is inherently good
 Xunzi 荀子
Entity Entity
Xunzi directly opposed Mencius's view of human nature as inherently good

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Further Reading and Sources

For authoritative academic perspectives on Mencius on Human Nature, consult these external sources:

Further Reading