Mencius

this question, but it provided a somewhat vague explanation. Since his answer was very vague and indirect, Confucians were split on the question of human nature. Some like Mencius believed that humans are born good, and with the proper training, can become perfect. Others like Hsun Tzu had the belief that humans were inherently evil, but with strict discipline, they could be good, despite their natural inclinations. I think Mencius in “Man’s Nature Is Good’ makes a very convincing argument for his belief on this question. In Mencius’s view, “humans are inherently good” (79). Mencius believed that people who are left to their original nature or that follow their gut feelings are able to do good. I agree that we are inherently good and that we are born with the…

Asian Humanities 1st Paper 10.22.2014 Topic: Compare and contrast the attitudes of Mencius and Xunzi to the subject of human nature. How do these differences relate to their different interpretations of individual betterment? When we get up and read newspapers in the morning, we can contact diverse news. Among them, there are touching stories that someone sacrifices and serves for other people. It makes people have that a human being is kind-hearted. On the other hand, undesirable stories such…

Is Human Nature Good or Bad? Xunzi and Mencius were two of the three great Confucian philosophers, along with Confucius, but although they were both Confucian philosophers they had greatly differing viewpoints on human nature. Xunzi believed that humans by nature were bad and that the only way they could become good was by deliberate efforts. Mencius believed that human nature was good and that they were born with virtuous characteristics inside of them already, these characteristics just…

until it has been whetted on a straight,” meaning that man must wait for instructions of a teacher before it can become upright. Man’s nature is evil to a point that we do good things simply to adhere to what’s socially acceptable. For example, man desires warmth, satisfaction, and hunger. However, each of these have an understanding. You wait to eat until your elders finish, you can not be satisfied unless someone’s higher up than you are satisfied (Government maintaining order), and you can…

Confucianism was originated by Confucius, an ancient Chinese philosopher, and was then championed by both Mencius and Xunzi. During the same time period roughly, Shang Yang and Shen Buhai developed a new ideological system known as Legalism. Both philosophies found popularity in ancient China, though they hold very different ideals. At first glance, the ancient Chinese philosophies Confucianism and Legalism seem to be polar opposites in regards to government, education, and social relationships.…

recognized as the first professional teacher in China rather than a politician or a philosopher. His teachings later gave rise to the new school of thought known as Confucianism (Liu). Confucianism is one of the major schools of thought in China. It developed from the teaching of Confucius. The principle of Confucianism is contained in nine ancient Chinese works handed down by Confucius and his followers. Later those works were divided into two groups as The Five Classics and The…

Throughout history, Chinese philosophies have referred to various perspectives and values followed among their people. All of these philosophies have a long history of several and many years. Out of the three well-known philosophies, Confucianism and Legalism have polar opposite values and morals. The philosophy that began from Confucius believed in returning good ethics in order for society to have good conduct opposed to bad people. Whereas Legalism believed that the disorder of society would…

philosophers. Although they lived in a similar time, their views can be radically different. Mengzi was highly influenced by Confucius, and as a result, his work is highly important in Confucian tradition. We don’t know much about Zhuangzi’s life, in comparison, and although Zhuangzi and Mengzi are practically contemporaries, there is no historical proof of them communicating. Mengzi is most well-known for his theory on human nature, but Zhuangzi has his own take on human nature as well. In this…

A response to: Mencius- Man’s Nature Is Good Mencius is a disciple of, and the “most important figure next to Confucius himself, in the development of Confucianism” (Mencius 94). Mencius took some of Confucius’s vague teachings, and came up with his perspective on human nature. He uses a unique rhetorical style, where he makes his points through conversations with others. He lived during the Period of Warring States. A lot of philosophers arose during that time to answer the question, “What is…

The cultures seen in the world today are impacted by a variety of individuals. Among these individuals in Confucius; Confucius is a Chinese educator and philosopher who is respected and worshipped by many people. His influence among people still pertains to today’s society; his famous sayings are practiced daily. Confucius’ life is worth knowing due to his contributions to today’s philosophies and culture. Confucius was born circa 551 before the common era as Kong Qui in the state of Lu in…