Mencius (c. 372–289 BC), born Ke in the State of Zou during the Warring States period, is the second most revered sage in Confucianism after Confucius. He developed Confucius's teachings on benevolence by proposing the theory of innate goodness—the idea that all humans are born with compassion, shame, modesty, and moral judgment.
Mencius championed benevolent governance and the people-centered political philosophy, famously declaring 'The people are the most important, the state next, the ruler least.' He traveled across kingdoms advising rulers, and although his political ideals were not adopted in his lifetime, his collected dialogues became a foundational Confucian classic.
Mencius's theory of innate goodness and his people-first political philosophy laid the ethical and political foundations for East Asian Confucian culture. His concept of cultivating the 'vast, flowing vital force' remains a cornerstone of Chinese moral philosophy and character development.
