I
Chinese Mengzi or Meng-tzu orig. Meng K'o
born с 372
died с 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
II
or Mengzi or Meng-tzu
Chinese Confucian text concerning government, written by Mencius .
The book maintains that the welfare of the common people comes before every other consideration. When a ruler no longer practices benevolence and righteousness, the mandate of heaven (his right to rule) is withdrawn and he should be removed. Mencius did not become a classic until the 12th century, when it was published by Zhu Xi together with Daxue , Zhongyong , and Lunyu ( Analects ) as the Four Books . See also Confucianism .