The Book of Mencius

by Mencius

Overview

The Mencius is a collection of conversations, anecdotes, and series of genuine and imagined interviews by the Confucian philosopher, Mencius. The book explores Mencius' views on the topics of moral and political philosophy, that are often posed as a dialogue to the ideas presented by Confucianism. The interviews and conversations are depicted as being either between Mencius and the various rulers of the Warring States period, or with his students and other contemporaries. The book documents Mencius' travel across the states, and his philosophical conversations and debates with those he meets on his journey. A number of scholars suggest that the text was not written by Mencius himself, but rather by his disciples. The text is believed to have been written during the late 4th century BC.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9783968656465
Publisher:	Otbebookpublishing
Publication date:	01/13/2021
Series:	Classics To Go
Sold by:	Bookwire
Format:	eBook
Pages:	151
File size:	619 KB

About the Author

Mencius, also known as Mengzi or Meng Ke, was a preeminent Chinese philosopher born in 372 BCE during the Warring States period, a time of great turmoil and intellectual ferment. A direct disciple of Confucius' grandson, Mencius is often regarded as the "Second Sage" of Confucianism, second only to Confucius himself. His teachings, which emphasized the inherent goodness of human nature, were revolutionary in a period marked by strife and moral decay.Mencius traveled extensively across the fragmented Chinese states, advising rulers on governance and ethics. His advocacy for benevolent leadership and the moral duty of rulers to care for their subjects was both radical and controversial. He argued that a ruler who fails to provide for the people's welfare forfeits the right to rule, a notion that subtly endorsed the idea of rebellion against tyranny.Mencius' influence extended far beyond his lifetime, shaping the moral and philosophical landscape of East Asia. His ideas on human nature and governance resonated through the centuries, impacting contemporary thinkers and political reformers. His dialogues and discourses remain a cornerstone of Confucian thought, offering timeless insights into human behavior and ethical governance.Modern readers might find Mencius' life intriguing not just for his philosophical contributions but also for his bold stance against oppressive regimes and his unwavering belief in the potential for human goodness. His teachings continue to inspire debates on morality, leadership, and the role of government in society.
Mencius or Mengzi (372–289 BC or 385–303 or 302 BC) was a Chinese Confucian philosopher who has often been described as the "second Sage", that is, after only Confucius himself. He is part of Confucius' fourth generation of disciples. Mencius inherited Confucius' ideology and developed it further. Living during the Warring States period, he is said to have spent much of his life travelling around the states offering counsel to different rulers. Conversations with these rulers form the basis of the Mencius, which would later be canonised as a Confucian classic. A key belief of his was that humans are innately good, but that this quality requires cultivation and the right environment to flourish. He also taught that rulers must justify their position of power by acting benevolently towards their subjects, and in this sense they are subordinate to the masses.