---
title: Mencius
author: Xiao Niao
source: https://www.worldhistory.org/image/993/mencius/
format: machine-readable-alternate
license: Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0)
updated: 1970-01-01
---
# Mencius
_Authored by Xiao Niao_
## Image File
[](https://www.worldhistory.org/uploads/images/993.jpg)
## Image Caption
From the [Yang](https://www.worldhistory.org/Yin_and_Yang/) Xin Dian (Hall of Mental Cultivation) in the Forbidden [City](https://www.worldhistory.org/city/) in Beijing, constructed in 1537 CE. Eight emperors of the Qing Dynasty lived here. The words "Yang Xin" come from the Mencius (a collection of the thoughts of the philosopher Mencius), meaning that the best way to cultivate one's mind is to reduce one's desires.
## Cite This Work
### APA
Niao, X. (2012, December 19). Mencius. *World History Encyclopedia*.
### Chicago
Niao, Xiao. "Mencius." *World History Encyclopedia*, December 19, 2012. .
### MLA
Niao, Xiao. "Mencius." *World History Encyclopedia*, 19 Dec 2012, .
## License & Copyright
[](http://www.flickr.com/photos/skthew/28139070/)This image was first published on [Flickr](http://www.flickr.com). [Original image](http://www.flickr.com/photos/skthew/28139070/) by [**Xiao Niao**](http://www.flickr.com/photos/skthew/28139070/). Submitted by [Mark Cartwright](https://www.worldhistory.org/user/markzcartwright/ "User Page: Mark Cartwright"), published on 19 December 2012. The copyright holder has published this content under the following license: [Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0deed.en). This licence only allows others to download this content and share it with others as long as the author is credited, but they can't change the content in any way or use it commercially. When republishing on the web a hyperlink back to the original content source URL must be included. Please note that content linked from this page may have different licensing terms.