What are the teachings of Mencius?

Answer 1

Mencius' is a Latinisation of 'Meng K'o [Meng-tzu]. His dates are uncertain, perhaps from 372 until 298. He was thought of in China as Confucius's successor in transmitting the Tao. He accepted and defended many of Confucius's doctrines. What has come down to us from him are a collection of sayings and dialogues. In order to reconstruct his chief teachings, these have to be coordinated. Mencius thought that there is an inherent goodness in human nature. There are four inherent virtures in us, starting with jen [benevolence]. The other three are ceremony (in the sense of having an inward sense of good manners), the right, and wisdom. Mencious thinks that our moral inclinations are as natural to us as physical growth. They can be injured or stunted, but they ought to be tended properly. Like feeding the body, moral education is indispensable, but the process of growth is spontaneous. There's an analogy between health and longevity: if we want health and longevity, we will naturally choose what is best over giving in to inappropriate appetites. It's the same when it comes to choosing what is right over what is merely tempting or expedient; it's natural to choose what is right. Mencius rejected Mo Tzu's utilitarianism. He thought it essential to do something because it was benevolent or right--not because of a calculation concerning its possible beneficial or harmful consequences. For him, as for others from the Confucian school, the most important duty is the duty of serving one's family. This is grounded in the natural dictates of conscience. He also distinguished between the senses and thinking. Our senses don't think and are confused by externals. Since it is thinking, reflection, that gives us the right view of things, it's important to give it priority over our senses.