Mencius

~372–289 BCE · Chinese (Zou state) · Warring States Period, Ancient China

Known for: Confucius's greatest follower who argued that human nature is inherently good — the optimist of Chinese philosophy

Mencius (Mengzi) was the most important Confucian philosopher after Confucius himself, known as the 'Second Sage.' Like Confucius, he wandered from state to state trying to convince rulers to govern through benevolence rather than force. He argued that human nature is fundamentally good — that all people have innate moral sprouts (compassion, shame, respect, judgment) that proper cultivation can develop into full virtues.

His debates with rival philosophers — particularly the Mohists and Legalists — are among the most lively and readable in Chinese philosophy. He was bolder than Confucius in challenging rulers, once telling King Hui of Liang that a ruler who fails his people deserves to be overthrown. He gave Confucianism its democratic edge.

Browse all 1,000 figures by category

Enable JavaScript to view the full "if they lived today" Q&A and personality profile.