Mencius (Mengzi)

Mencius, also known as Mengzi, was a Chinese philosopher active around the 4th century BCE, and is one of the most important figures in Confucianism after Confucius himself. He is known for his belief in the inherent goodness of human nature and stressed the importance of education and moral development. Mencius argued that a supportive environment could help individuals cultivate their innate virtues. His ideas influenced political philosophy, advocating for benevolent governance and the responsibility of rulers to care for their people. His thoughts contributed significantly to the moral and ethical foundations of East Asian cultures.