Four Beginnings

  • Mencius – Chapter 11.6

    Gongduzi lists three prevailing conflicting theories of human nature. Mencius systematically defends innate human goodness, introducing the Four Beginnings—four inherent moral feelings that form benevolence, righteousness, propriety and wisdom, innate rather than externally imposed.

  • Mencius – Chapter 8.19 Acting from, not performing, virtue

    Mencius said: “The difference between humans and birds or beasts is extremely slight – just a tiny bit. Ordinary people tend to lose this small distinction, while noble persons preserve it. Shun understood the principles of all things and clearly discerned human relationships. He acted from benevolence and righteousness, not merely performing benevolence and…