Mencius

Author: Beijing Siha Children's Classic Reading Education Center
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-01-01
Features: Confucianism's "Second Sage," Mencius, is revered. His book Mencius contains seven chapters (sections), now published in two volumes. Mencius's enterprising spirit, as expressed in this famous line from Mencius·Gaozi Section 2: "Therefore, Heaven will impose great responsibility upon a person only after it has first toughened their will, exhausted their muscles, starved their body, and impoverished their spirit. People constantly make mistakes, and only then can they correct them; when their hearts are troubled and their thoughts are weighed down, they can then act. Only then do they realize that life comes from hardship and death comes from comfort," fully demonstrates the spirit of "In this world, who else can fulfill this great task but me?" After reading it, one feels inspired to roll up their sleeves and take action, spreading benevolence and righteousness across the land. Mencius believed in the goodness of human nature, arguing that "everyone can become as virtuous as Yao or Shun," trusting in the limitless potential and inherent goodness of people. "Gaining talented individuals from the world and educating them" was one of his three great joys. He advocated the "King's Way" and opposed the "Duke's Way," embodying the philosophy of "When one is poor, they cultivate virtue for themselves; when they are prosperous, they benefit the world."