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Mencius

Type Figure Region State of Zou Time c. -372–-289 Also known as Meng Ke、Ziyu、Mengsun

Mencius (c. 372–289 BCE), a leading Confucian of the mid-Warring States period from Zou, studied under disciples of Zisi and was honored as the 'Seco…

Timeline

  1. c. -372–-340Zou · Jining CityMencius, given name Ke, was from Zou; he lost his father young and was raised by his mother Lady Zhang, famed for stories like the three moves of Mencius's mother and teaching by cutting the loom. He later studied under disciples of Zisi, deeply engaging Confucian classics and forming his core ideas of innate goodness and benevolent government.
  2. c. -340–-310Daliang · Kaifeng CityIn middle age Mencius traveled through Wei, Qi and other states, meeting King Hui of Liang and King Xuan of Qi, advocating benevolent government, reduced punishments, light taxes, and securing the people's livelihood. Though received with courtesy, his ideal of kingly way was never widely adopted by the lords, and his political ambitions went unrealized.
  3. c. -310–-289Zou · Jining CityIn his later years Mencius returned to Zou, teaching and discussing the Way with disciples such as Wan Zhang and Gongsun Chou, expounding ideas of innate goodness, the four beginnings, and the flood-like qi. His sayings were compiled by disciples into the seven chapters of the Mencius, which became a Confucian classic; later ages honored him as the Second Sage.

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