In the Confucian cosmos, Confucius lit the spark of wisdom. Nearly a century later, Mencius, the so‐called Second Sage, stepped in to fan those flames, carrying forward and refreshing age-old ideas on human nature. His legacy has even been playfully described as a philosophical 'big bang'!
Born in the early 4th century BC in the Chinese mainland's Shandong Province, Mencius missed the chance to attend Confucius' lectures. Yet his devotion to the teachings helped him become one of the most influential thinkers in the Confucian universe. His ideas celebrate the belief that every person is born with a natural goodness—imagine your inner code getting a futuristic upgrade! 🤓
Stories about his early life, including the famous tale of his mother relocating three times to secure the best learning environment, have passed down through the generations. Though details remain mysterious, these accounts highlight an enduring cultural value: the nurturing of potential and the transformative power of education.
Mencius’s fresh take on innate virtue continues to inspire discussions on ethics and human behavior even in today's fast-paced, tech-driven world. His timeless wisdom reminds us that while we may be born good, we can always evolve—much like updating your favorite app for a smoother experience. ✨
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
