Who is Mencius and why is he important?

Mencius was a Chinese philosopher and scholar who contributed significantly to Confucianism during The Warring States Period in China (c. 481-221 BCE). He developed and disseminated Confucian teachings.

What is Mencius known for?

Mencius is known for his significant contributions to Confucianism, particularly his belief in the inherent goodness of people and the importance of cultivating moral behavior. His philosophy emphasized the value of education, benevolent governance, and ethical actions.

How is Mencius different from Confucius?

Mencius devoted himself to streamlining Confucian thought and making it more accessible to people. Mencius believed that the four virtues of Ren – benevolence/humaneness, Yi – righteousness/goodness, Zhi – knowledge/wisdom, and Li – propriety/proper ritual were innate and universal.

Mencius Timeline

Definition

Mencius (l. 372-289 BCE, also known as Mang-Tze or Mang-Tzu) was a Confucian philosopher during The Warring States Period in China (c. 481-221 BCE) and is considered the greatest after Confucius himself for his interpretation, formulation, and dissemination of Confucian concepts. He is the fourth of the Five Great Sages of Confucianism beginning with Confucius himself:

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