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Author: Wang Shichao
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2002-04-01
Features: "Mencius" is one of the Confucian classics, recording the discourses of Mencius, a thinker and educator in the mid-Warring States period, and his disciples. Written by Mencius, a key representative of the Confucian school, and his followers, "Mencius" consists of seven existing chapters, primarily documenting Mencius's political activities, political doctrines, as well as his philosophical and ethical, and educational thoughts. Mencius vigorously promoted Confucianism, developing Confucius's "benevolence" (ren) doctrine into the "benevolent governance" (renzheng) doctrine. He also proposed the "theory of innate goodness" as the theoretical foundation for the "benevolent governance" doctrine. He advocated emulating Yao and Shun, establishing the well-field system (jingtian), promoting the selection of virtuous officials ("exaltation of the worthy"), light taxation ("reduction of burdens"), and practicing the "Kingly Way" (wangdao). In terms of the relationship between the ruler and the people, he held the view that "the people are more important than the ruler" (min gui jun qing).