Mencius (Upper and Lower)

Author: Beijing Siha Children's Classic Reading Education Center
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2002-09-01
Features:
Mencius's enterprising spirit, as expressed in the famous line from Mencius, Gaozi Chapter 2: "Therefore, if Heaven intends to impose a great task upon a person, it must first harden their heart and will, tire their bones and muscles, starve their body, and humble them. A person makes constant mistakes, then they can correct them; when their hearts are troubled and their thoughts are burdened, they can act. Then they will understand that life arises from suffering, and death comes from comfort." After reading it, one feels like rolling up their sleeves and taking action, promoting benevolence and righteousness in the world. Mencius is revered as the Lesser Sage of Confucianism. His book, Mencius, consists of seven chapters (sections), now published in two volumes. Mencius believed in the inherent goodness of human nature, holding that "all people can become like Yao and Shun," and that people's potential is limitless and their nature is virtuous. "Educating the outstanding talents of the world" was one of his three great joys. He advocated the "Way of the King" and opposed the "Way of the Tyrant," embodying the spirit of "when one is in poverty, they cultivate their own virtue; when they are in prosperity, they benefit the world."