by Jennifer
In the history of ancient Chinese philosophy, Confucianism holds an extremely important position. Mencius and Xunzi, as representatives of Confucian thought during the Warring States period, made outstanding contributions to the development and transmission of the Confucian ideological system. Mencius, as a key successor, inherited and developed Confucius’s ideas, proposing a political philosophy based on benevolence and righteousness, emphasizing the importance of personal cultivation and virtue. Xunzi, on the other hand, delved deeply into the importance of ritual on the foundation of Confucianism and emphasized the importance of continually accumulating knowledge and virtue, profoundly influencing future generations in education and academic development.
Relationship between Mencius and Confucius
Confucius, as the founder of Confucian thought, is revered as the "Supreme Sage Master." His ideas have influenced Chinese culture and society for centuries. Mencius is one of the important inheritors of Confucian thought, and he frequently mentioned Confucius in his writings, inheriting and developing his ideas. In "Mencius: Gongsun Chou I," Chapter 2, Mencius explicitly stated that he wished to learn from Confucius and expressed his respect and followership. These texts reveal his great reverence for Confucius. Moreover, in "Mencius: Li Lou II," Chapter 22, Mencius also expressed a longing for Confucius’s school but revealed his willingness to follow other scholars. This shows that while deeply influenced by Confucius, Mencius maintained an independent academic stance.
The Life of Mencius
Mencius was born in the State of Zou and studied under disciples of Confucius’s grandson, Zisi. During his academic career, he deeply explored and developed Confucian ideas. Mencius tried to persuade rulers like King Hui of Liang and King Xuan of Qi to adopt his political ideas, but due to the prevailing focus on benefits and warfare at the time, his concepts were not widely recognized or adopted. Despite this, Mencius's thoughts still profoundly impacted ancient Chinese politics and society. Although not highly regarded in his time, his thoughts deeply influenced later political theory and practice, becoming an essential part of ancient Chinese political thought.
The Life of Xunzi
Xunzi was born in the State of Zhao and traveled to the State of Qi at the age of fifty to teach and impart Confucian thought. Xunzi held a critical view of the politics of his time, advocating the importance of morality and virtue and opposing some views of other schools like the Mohists. Despite holding significant positions in Qi and later in Chu, he eventually settled in Lanling, leading a reclusive life.
Xunzi's views had a significant impact on Confucian and Mohist schools, among others, but also faced some criticism. Some believed he overly revered gods and indulged in superstition, straying from orthodox Confucianism. Nevertheless, his ideas were influential in his time and emphasized the importance of continuous knowledge and virtue accumulation. He believed learning was a relentless forward process, requiring persistent effort and ceaseless exploration.
Mencius's Political Thought
Mencius's political philosophy is evident in his understanding of divine mandate and foreign policy proposals. He believed that politics fundamentally served the people, emphasizing that the legitimacy of rulers derives from the people’s support and trust, not from divine right or lineage. Thus, political objectives should aim to ensure the people's welfare. Mencius introduced a significant innovation in the political theories of his time with the idea of "the Mandate of Heaven," highlighting that political legitimacy should be based on the people’s foundation. He advocated for a political philosophy based on "benevolence and righteousness," suggesting that relationships between rulers and subjects, and among citizens, should be based on morality and justice, underscoring the importance of personal cultivation and virtue. His concept of "benevolent governance" emphasized the human aspect of politics, advocating that rulers should prioritize the people, implementing policies for their benefit and welfare.
Xunzi's View on Education
In "Xunzi: Encouraging Learning," Xunzi thoroughly explored the value and importance of learning. He stated that learning is endless, suggesting that just as "blue comes from indigo and yet is bluer than it," learning is about progression and continuity. He believed that through broad learning and constant reflection, individuals could continually improve and advance personally. His advocacy for extensive learning and relentless pursuit has influenced educational thoughts significantly, impacting Confucian education, the imperial examination system, and modern educational frameworks. In "Encouraging Learning," he highlighted the necessity and importance of continuous learning through vivid metaphors and profound analysis, emphasizing that success comes only through persistent effort and pursuit.
Mencius and Xunzi: The Glorious Transmission of Confucian Thought
In the thoughts of Mencius and Xunzi, we witness the profound contributions of two great thinkers to ancient Chinese philosophy. Their ideas not only shaped the political and social concepts of their time but also left a lasting legacy on the development of Chinese culture and society. Through their intense exploration of Confucian principles, Mencius and Xunzi have provided a rich source of wisdom for future generations, shaping the trajectory of philosophical thought in China and beyond.
Reference:
文藻外語大學 徐漢昌教授
