n.
Chinese Mengzi or Meng-tzu orig. Meng K'o
born 0441; 372
died 0441; 289 BC
Chinese philosopher.
The book Mencius contains statements on innate human goodness, a topic warmly debated by followers of Confucius up to modern times. That the four principles ( si duan )
the feelings of commiseration, shame, courtesy, and right and wrong
are all inborn in humans was a self-evident truth to Mencius; the four principles, when properly cultivated, will develop into the four cardinal virtues of ren (benevolence), righteousness, decorum, and wisdom. His development of orthodox Confucianism earned him the title "second sage."
Mencius, detail, ink and colour on silk; in the National Palace Museum, Taipei
Courtesy of the National Palace Museum, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China