Great China Library - Mencius (Chinese-English Parallel Text)

Author: Yang Bojun (Translation), Zhao Zentao (English Translation)
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2003-01-01
Features: Mencius is one of the Confucian classics, recording the discourses of Mencius, a philosopher and educator of the mid-Warring States period, and his disciples. Written by Mencius, a key figure in 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) theory. He also proposed the "theory of innate goodness" (xing shan lun) as the theoretical foundation for his "benevolent governance" doctrine. He advocated emulating Yao and Shun, implementing the well-field system (jingtian), promoting the values of "exalting the worthy" (shangxian) and "light taxation" (bolu), and practicing the "Kingly Way" (wangdao). In terms of the relationship between the ruler and the people, he upheld the principle of "the people are more important than the ruler" (min gui jun qing). This English translation references various existing versions and is the newest complete English translation of Mencius.