China
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Mencius (Mengzi / Meng Ke)
Zou (Zouxian, Shandong), China
Archival Overview
The 'Second Sage' of Confucianism who defended the innate goodness of human nature (xing shan) and championed the right of the people to overthrow tyrannical rulers.
Biographical Record
Mencius (372–289 BCE) was raised by his devoted mother—whose wise educational relocations gave rise to the famous proverb 'Mencius' mother moves three times'—and studied under the grandson of Confucius, Zisi. He traveled throughout China during the Warring States period advising kings on benevolent governance (*ren zheng*).
Mencius famously argued that every human being possesses innate moral sprouts (*duan*): compassion, shame, deference, and discernment of right and wrong. He placed the welfare of the common people above the majesty of the sovereign, declaring that a ruler who loses the Mandate of Heaven through cruelty is no longer a monarch, but a mere bandit.
Key Life Milestones
Disputation with King Hui of Liang
Urged King Hui to abandon aggressive warfare and taxation in favor of moral benevolence toward the peasantry.
Compilation of the 'Book of Mencius'
Recorded his dialogues and moral doctrines, which became one of the canonical Four Books of Chinese civilization.
Memorial Guestbook & Tributes
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Final Resting Place
Perpetual MemorialZou (Shandong), China