author
Mencius
-385–-289
Remembered as one of the great early Confucian thinkers, he argued that human nature is fundamentally good and that moral growth begins with the feelings people already have. His conversations and teachings shaped Chinese philosophy for centuries.
3 Audiobooks
Chinese literature : Comprising the Analects of Confucius, the Sayings of Mencius, the Shi-King, the Travels of Fâ-Hien, and the Sorrows of Han
by Confucius, Faxian, Mencius
孟子
by Mencius
Les quatre livres de philosophie morale et politique de la Chine
by Confucius, Mencius
About the author
Born in the ancient Chinese state of Zou around the 4th century BCE, Mencius is traditionally dated to about 385–289 BCE. He became the most influential interpreter of Confucius after Confucius himself, traveling among rival states during the Warring States period and advising rulers on humane government.
The work associated with him, the Mencius or Mengzi, preserves dialogues, debates, and teaching stories rather than a simple philosophical treatise. In those conversations, he is especially known for the idea that human nature is basically good and for the belief that rulers must govern through virtue and care for the people, not fear alone.
Over time, his writings became central to the Confucian tradition and were studied for generations across East Asia. Even now, he stands out as a philosopher who linked everyday human sympathy with big questions about ethics, education, and political power.