What was really the intention of Mencius in writing his philosophy?
greatest confucian, mencius born in shantung, , studied under grandson of confucius, tzu ssu. confucius travelled extensively, vainly trying persuade rulers improve ways, before retiring write 7 books make book of mencius. added confucianism doctrine of original goodness of human beings, end of learning seek lost state of virtue. way of righteousness opposed utilitarian considerations of advantage , profit. politically 1 consequence since goodness inherent in people, have right partake in government , revolt against bad government.
while confucius himself did not explicitly focus on subject of human nature, mencius asserted innate goodness of individual, believing society's influence – lack of positive cultivating influence – caused bad moral character. "he exerts mind utmost knows nature"[7] , "the way of learning none other finding lost mind".[8]
translator james legge finds close similarity between mencius' views on human nature , in bishop butler's sermons on human nature.
4 beginnings
show innate goodness, mencius used example of child falling down well. witnesses of event feel“ alarm , distress, not gain friendship child's parents, nor seek praise of neighbors , friends, nor because dislike reputation [of lack of humanity if did not rescue child]...
feeling of commiseration beginning of humanity; feeling of shame , dislike beginning of righteousness; feeling of deference , compliance beginning of propriety; , feeling of right , wrong beginning of wisdom.
men have these 4 beginnings have 4 limbs. having these 4 beginnings, saying cannot develop them destroy themselves.[9]
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what real intention of mencius on philosophy ?
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