Gaozi claims all innate instincts equal human nature. Mencius uses a white analogy to expose his flaw: if inherent traits define nature, dogs, oxen and humans would share identical essence. This refutes equating human nature with mere animal instincts and highlights humanity’s unique moral core.
Gaozi compares neutral human nature to water flowing east or west as channels guide it. Mencius counters that water naturally flows down, meaning humans innately lean toward good; evil only arises from external forces twisting one’s original nature.
Gaozi compares human nature to willow wood and morality to carved vessels, claiming benevolence and righteousness are artificial restraints. Mencius refutes this analogy, arguing morality should grow naturally from innate human goodness instead of mutilating one’s nature.
Mencius said: “When people in the world talk about ‘human nature’, they are really just talking about the ‘inherent patterns’ of things. And these patterns are fundamentally rooted in ‘natural course and inherent tendencies’. What we dislike about cleverness is that it often forces artificial interpretations. But if the wise acted like Yu the…
Mencius said: “Everyone possesses a heart that cannot bear to see others suffer. The ancient sage-kings had this very ‘heart of not bearing the suffering of others,’ and thus they implemented policies that reflected that compassion.