Title: Mencius (《孟子》)

1. Basic Information

• Author: Meng Ke (Mencius), with contributions by his disciples.
• Period: Warring States Period (c. 372–289 BCE).
• Status: One of the “Four Books” (四书) in Confucianism.

2. Structure

• 7 Chapters: Liang Hui Wang, Gongsun Chou, Teng Wen Gong, Li Lou, Wan Zhang, Gaozi, Jin Xin.
• Format: Dialogues between Mencius and rulers/scholars.

3. Core Doctrines

• Theory of Good Human Nature: “Human nature is inherently good” (性善论).
• Benevolent Governance (仁政): Prioritizes people’s welfare; “The people are the most important” (民贵君轻).
• Righteousness over Utility: Moral principles (义) outweigh material gains (利).
• Self-Cultivation: Cultivate “vast, flowing vital energy” (浩然之气) through ethical practice.

4. Influence

• Foundational to Confucian “Philosophy of Mind and Nature” (心性之学).
• Shaped East Asian political ethics and moral education.

Note: For precise academic citation, refer to translations like D.C. Lau’s “Mencius” (Penguin Classics) or James Legge’s “The Works of Mencius”.