Mencius

What It's About

The Mencius records the conversations, debates and sayings of the Confucian philosopher Mencius as he travelled the courts of the Warring States period, urging rulers to govern through moral example rather than force. It is arranged in seven books, each split into two parts. The dialogues range from blunt exchanges with kings, such as King Hui of Liang, who wants to know how to make his state profitable, to arguments with rival thinkers such as Gaozi, who disputed Mencius on the nature of human beings. The book's political argument made it uncomfortable for some later rulers, because it holds that a king who abuses his people forfeits his right to rule.

Key Concepts

The central idea is that human nature is good. Mencius holds that everyone is born with the "sprouts" of moral feeling: compassion, shame, deference and a sense of right and wrong. Education and good conditions grow these into benevolence, righteousness, propriety and wisdom. From this follows his model of benevolent government, in which rulers secure the people's livelihood, keep taxes light and put righteousness before profit. The text also covers the Mandate of Heaven, which is withdrawn from unjust rulers, and the cultivation of a "flood-like" vital energy through moral practice.

About the Author

Mencius (Meng Ke, traditionally dated 372–289 BC) was a Chinese philosopher born in the small state of Zou, in present-day Shandong, not far from Confucius's birthplace. He is traditionally said to have been taught by followers of Confucius's grandson Zisi. After a period as an itinerant adviser to rulers, he withdrew to teach his disciples. He came to be honoured as the "Second Sage" of Confucianism, and later tradition credits his mother with an exemplary role in his upbringing.

About This Edition

This is an 1895 translation by James Legge.