Mencius

Britannica Concise Encyclopedia: Mencius

Chinese Confucian text concerning government, written by Mencius. The book maintains that the welfare of the common people comes before every other consideration. When a ruler no longer practices benevolence and righteousness, the mandate of heaven (his right to rule) is withdrawn and he should be removed. Mencius did not become a classic until the 12th century, when it was published by Zhu Xi together with Daxue, Zhongyong, and Lunyu (Analects) as the Four Books. See also Confucianism.

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	Mengzi
	Four Books (philosophy)
	Chu Hsi (philosophy)

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