Mencius by James Legge

Description

Mencius, renowned as the Second Sage of Confucianism, offers timeless wisdom through a series of profound dialogues exploring human morality, governance, and inner virtue. This 1895 edition, translated by the celebrated sinologist James Legge, captures the subtleties of the original Chinese text, blending faithful linguistic precision with Victorian-era scholarly insight. Legge’s version has become a cornerstone for Western readers venturing into classical Chinese philosophy, offering clear access to the teachings of Mencius and acting as a vital bridge between Eastern thought and modern understanding. The book unfolds around Mencius’s signature doctrine of xìng shàn, or the innate goodness of human nature. Through illustrative anecdotes — most famously the well-child example — he argues that compassion and righteousness are natural to us, requiring only cultivation in the right educational and governmental context. His counsel to rulers emphasizes benevolent leadership, advocating for restraint in taxation and warfare, and promoting policies aligned with the welfare of the people. Reinforced over centuries by Neo-Confucian scholars and embedded in the civil service curriculum, these dialogues continue to influence modern discussions on ethics, leadership, and educational philosophy.

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