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Mencius (/ ˈ m ɛ n ʃ i ə s / MEN-shee-əs); born Meng Ke (Chinese: 孟軻); or Mengzi (Chinese: 孟子; 12 March 372 BC– 21 December 290 BC) was a Chinese Confucian philosopher who has often been described as the "second Sage" (亞聖), that is, second to Confucius himself. He is part of Confucius' fourth generation of disciples.
Mencius was a fourth-century BCE Chinese thinker who interpreted and developed Confucianism. He is known for his theory of human nature, his dialogues with rulers and philosophers, and his views on government and self-cultivation.
Oct 16, 2004 · Mencius (fourth century BCE) was a Confucian philosopher. Often referred to as the “Second Sage” of Confucianism (meaning second in importance only to Confucius himself), Mencius is best known for his claim that “human nature is good.”
Mar 26, 2024 · Mencius (born c. 371, ancient state of Zou, China—died c. 289 bce, China) was an early Chinese philosopher whose development of orthodox Confucianism earned him the title “second sage.” Chief among his basic tenets was an emphasis on the obligation of rulers to provide for the common people.
Jul 8, 2020 · 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.
- Joshua J. Mark
- 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 B...
- 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 o...
- 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 –...
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Mencius: The paradigmatic Confucian intellectual. Mencius is known as the self-styled transmitter of the Confucian Way. Educated first by his mother and then allegedly by a student of Confucius’s grandson, Mencius brilliantly performed his role as a social critic, a moral philosopher, and a political activist.
6. Traditionally, Mencius is said to have lived from 372–289 BCE (Legge 1970, 16). However, many recent scholars put his lifetime about twenty years earlier. D.C. Lau concludes, “There is no convincing evidence, as far as one can see, for any events recorded in the Mencius happening before 319 B.C.” (Lau 1970, 10).
