孟子

Mencius

Confucianism · person

Mencius (孟子, Mengzi, 372–289 BCE), known as the 'Second Sage' of Confucianism, was a Chinese philosopher from the state of Zou during the Warring States period. He studied under Confucius's grandson Zisi and argued for the innate goodness of human nature, developed the theory of the Four Seeds of virtue, and articulated the right of the people to overthrow a tyrannical ruler. His collected dialogues form the Mencius (孟子), one of the Four Books of Confucian canon.

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

2 wisdom cards explore this concept
10 related philosophical concepts
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What Are the Key Facts About Mencius?

  • Tradition: Confucianism
  • Chinese: 孟子
  • Category: Person
  • Definition: Mencius (孟子, Mengzi, 372–289 BCE), known as the 'Second Sage' of Confucianism, was a Chinese philosopher from the state of Zou during the Warring States period.

What Cards Are Related to Mencius?

The Morning Way

To hear the Way in the morning and die in the evening

To Learn and to Practice

Is this not a pleasure?

What Concepts Are Related to Mencius?

Confucius 孔子
Influenced By
Mencius was the greatest early follower of Confucius
 Ren 仁
Teaches
Mencius developed Confucius's concept of ren as one of the Four Seeds
 Yi 义
Teaches
Mencius emphasized yi (righteousness) as intrinsic to human nature
 Mencius on Human Nature 性善论
Authored
Mencius's doctrine that human nature is inherently good
 Doctrine of the Mean 中庸
Influenced
Mencius's thought influenced the development of the Doctrine of the Mean
 Junzi 君子
Teaches
Mencius developed the Confucian ideal of the junzi (noble person)
 Li 礼
Teaches
Mencius included li (ritual propriety) among the Four Seeds of virtue
 Zhi 智
Teaches
Mencius included zhi (wisdom) among the Four Seeds of virtue
 Cheng (Sincerity) 诚
Related to
Mencius developed the concept of cheng
 Wang Yangming 王阳明
Related to
Wang's concept of innate knowledge builds on Mencius

Common Questions

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Further Reading and Sources

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

Further Reading