Discusses Confucius's theories of yi, or righteousness, and jen, or goodness, explaining that individuals can attain harmony with the universe by acting with morality, benevolence, and justice.
Brings together the philosophical teachings of the ancient Chinese philosopher, in a study that explains how one can live in harmony with humankind and the universe by developing one's innate moral nature and by acting with justice and benevolence. Reprint.
Mencius was the philosopher whose influence upon ancient Chinese thought was second only to that of Confucius, whose teachings Mencius defended and expanded. TheMencius, in which he recounts his dialogues with kings, dukes, and military men, as well as other philosophers, is one of the four books that make up the essential Confucian corpus. It takes up Confucius’s theories of jen, or goodness, and yi, righteousness, explaining that the individual can achieve harmony with mankind and the universe by perfecting his innate moral nature and acting with benevolence and justice. Mencius’s remarkably modern views on the duties of subjects and their rulers and on the evils of war created a Confucian orthodoxy that has remained intact since the third century BCE.* An essential text in Confucian thought* D.C. Lau's lucid translation has been updated* The introduction makes illuminating comparisons between Mencius and his contemporaries* Revised edition includes updated further reading, appendices, a glossary, and notes
Mencius was one of the great philosophers of ancient China, second only in influence to Confucius, whose teachings he defended and expanded. The Mencius, in which he recounts his dialogues with kings, dukes and military men, as well as other philosophers, is one of the Four Books that make up the essential Confucian corpus. It takes up Confucius's theories of jen, or goodness and yi, righteousness, explaining that the individual can achieve harmony with mankind and the universe by perfecting his innate moral nature and acting with benevolence and justice. Mencius' strikingly modern views on the duties of subjects and their rulers or the evils of war, created a Confucian orthodoxy that has remained intact since the third century BCE.