Mencius (originally Meng K’o) was born in 371 BCE in the ancient Chinese state of Zou and died in 289 BCE. An early Chinese philosopher, he developed orthodox Confucianism, earning the title “second sage.” He emphasized the obligation of rulers to provide for the people. Throughout the book Mencius, statements are made about human nature and the goodness of humans, a topic heatedly debated by Confucianists until recently.
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Mencius Quotes
- There is no greater delight than to be conscious of sincerity on self-examination.
- Friends are the siblings God never gave us.
- People can have a long-term life plan only if they know their private property is secure.
- Let not a man do what his sense of right bids him not to do, nor desire what it forbids him to desire. This is sufficient. The skillful artist will not alter his measures for the sake of a stupid workman.
- A trail through the mountains, if used, becomes a path in a short time, but, if unused, becomes blocked by grass in an equally short time.
- Evil exists to glorify the good. Evil is negative good. It is a relative term. Evil can be transmuted into good. What is evil to one at one time, becomes good at another time to somebody else.
- Friendship is one mind in two bodies.
- Let men decide firmly what they will not do, and they will be free to do vigorously what they ought to do.
- I like life, and I also like righteousness. If I cannot keep the two together, I will let life go, and choose righteousness.
