Mencius [a] (MEN-shee-əs; c. 371 – c. 289 BC) was a Chinese Confucian philosopher, often described as the Second Sage (亞聖) to reflect his traditional esteem relative to Confucius himself. He was part of Confucius's fourth generation of disciples, inheriting his ideology and developing it further.

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.

Better known in China as “Master Meng” (Chinese: Mengzi), Mencius was a fourth-century BCE Chinese thinker whose importance in the Confucian tradition is second only to that of Confucius himself.

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.”

Jul 8, 2020 · Mencius was a Chinese philosopher and scholar who contributed significantly to Confucianism during The Warring States Period in China (c. 481-221 BCE). He developed and disseminated Confucian teachings.

Next to Confucius, the most famous Confucian philosopher is Mencius, who lived between 372 and 289 BCE. This was smack in the middle of China’s Warring States period, when rulers were waging brutal, endless wars to enlarge their territories.

The Mencius is an anthology of conversations and anecdotes attributed to the Confucian philosopher Mencius (c. 371 – c. 289 BC). [1] The book is one of the Chinese Thirteen Classics, and explores Mencius's views on the topics of moral and political philosophy, often as a dialogue with the ideas presented by Confucianism.

Mar 27, 2025 · 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.

Oct 16, 2004 · Mencius came to be regarded as the greatest Confucian thinker after Confucius himself, and his teachings have been very influential on the development of Confucian thought in the Song, Ming (1368–1644), Qing (1644–1912), and up to modern times. 1. Background. 2. The Ethical Ideal. 3. The Heart/Mind and Human Nature. 4.

Mencius is one of the Confucian classics, recording the dialogues between Mencius and various rulers and disciples, expounding core ideas such as benevolent governance, the innate goodness of human nature, and self-cultivation.