Mencius
Human nature is good: everyone carries the seed of benevolence.
Life
Mencius (Mengzi, c. 372-289 BCE) is, after Confucius, the great Confucian thinker of ancient China. He travelled the courts of the Warring States advising rulers, and his conversations were gathered in the book that bears his name. He holds that human nature is good: everyone carries the sprouts of benevolence, righteousness, propriety and wisdom, which must be cultivated as one tends a seedling.
Main works
A collection of conversations and arguments, including the debate with Gaozi, defending the natural goodness of human beings.
In his own words
« The feeling of commiseration is the principle of benevolence. The feeling of shame and dislike is the principle of righteousness. The feeling of modesty and complaisance is the principle of propriety. The feeling of approving and disapproving is the principle of knowledge. »
« Benevolence, righteousness, propriety, and knowledge are not infused into us from without. We are certainly furnished with them. »
Positions
click a row to see the evidenceWe have innate moral knowledge, an ability to know good without being taught.
Mencius, Mengzi (vers 300 av. J.-C.), 7A15
Morality is the growth of the four virtues from their natural sprouts through cultivation.
Mencius, Mengzi (vers 300 av. J.-C.), 2A6
Moral goodness is rooted in human nature itself, not in convention.
Mencius, Mengzi (vers 300 av. J.-C.), 6A6
Everyone has sprouts of kindness, shame, deference and judgment; goodness is nature developed.
Mencius, Mengzi (vers 300 av. J.-C.), 2A6 et 6A6