Mencius
(Mengzi; 孟子)

The Mencius, regarded as a gem among the Four Books of Confucianism, is a profound work that explores moral ethics, political governance, and the inherent nature of humanity.

Written by Mencius (Meng Ke), a prominent philosopher and one of the most influential figures in Confucian thought, this text builds upon the teachings of Confucius, even though Mencius was not a direct disciple.

In the text, Mencius expounds on the philosophical concept of the inherent goodness of human nature and strongly advocates for benevolent governance and the noble virtues that rulers should possess.

Not only has The Mencius had a profound impact on ancient Chinese society, shaping its moral views and political philosophy, but its wisdom has also transcended time and space.

In the 19th century, the renowned British sinologist, James Legge, translated this Confucian classic into English. His translation is not only faithful to the original text but also covers detailed annotations, greatly aiding Western readers in understanding the philosophical ideas of Mencius. Through Legge’s translation, the wisdom of The Mencius was spread to the Western world, injecting new vitality into the international discussion of Confucian ethics.