The Story of Mencius and Xunzi
文／龔楚茜
在中國古代哲學史上，儒家思想有著極其重要的地位，而孟子和荀子作為戰國時期儒家的代表人物，對於儒家思想體系的發展和傳承，都做出了卓越的貢獻。孟子作為重要的傳承者，對孔子的思想進行了繼承和發展，提出了以仁義為本的政治理念，強調了個人修養和品德的重要性；而荀子則在儒家的基礎上對禮的重要性，進行了深入的思考和探索，並提出了不斷積累知識和德行的重要性，對後世的教育和學術發展產生了深遠的影響。
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.
孟子與孔子的關係
Relationship between Mencius and Confucius
孔子作為儒家思想的奠基人，被尊稱為「至聖先師」，他的思想影響了千百年來的中國文化與社會。而孟子則是孔子思想的重要傳承者之一，他在自己的著作中多次提及孔子，對其思想進行了繼承和發展。在《孟子．公孫丑上》第2章中，孟子明確表示自己所願學習的對象是孔子，並表達了對他的尊重和追隨。可以從這些文字中得知他對孔子有著極大的崇敬之情。同時，在《孟子．離婁下》第22章中，孟子也表達了對孔子門下的一種嚮往之情，但也透露了自己追隨其他學者的意願。這表明了孟子雖然受孔子影響深遠，但在學術上仍保持著獨立思考的態度。
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.
孟子的生平
The Life of Mencius
孟子出生於鄒國，早年受業於孔子的孫子「子思」的門下弟子，在後來的學術生涯中對孔子的儒家思想進行了深入的研究和發展。孟子曾試圖遊說梁惠王、齊宣王等諸侯王，使他們採納自己的政治主張，然而由於當時重視利益、戰爭盛行，他的理念並未受到各國的重視和認可。
儘管如此，孟子的思想依然對中國古代政治和社會產生了深遠的影響。孟子的思想不在當時受到重視，但是對後世的政治理論和實踐產生了深遠的影響，成為了中國古代政治思想的重要組成部分。
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.
荀子的生平
The Life of Xunzi
荀子出生於趙國，在五十歲時前往齊國遊學並傳授弟子儒家思想。荀子對當時的政治持有批評態度，他主張道德和德行的重要性，也反對墨家等其他學派的一些觀點。然而，盡管他在齊國曾擔任過祭酒，也在楚國做過蘭陵令，最終定居在蘭陵，過上了隱居的生活。
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.
荀子的思想主張對儒家、墨家等都產生了一定的影響，但同時也受到了一些批評。有人認為他過於信奉神祇，迷信巫術，疏遠了儒家正統。然而，荀子的思想在當時仍然具有一定的影響力，同時他也強調了持續積累知識和德行的重要性。他認為，學習是一種不斷向前推進的過程，需要通過持之以恆的努力和不懈的探索來不斷提升自己。他主張學習應該從誦讀經典開始，然後進行反思和實踐，最終將所學應用於生活實踐中。
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.
孟子的政治思想
Mencius's Political Thought
孟子的政治思想貫穿於對天命的理解和對外交政策的主張中。他認為政治的根本在於為人民服務，強調君主的合法性來源於人民的支持與信任，而非來自於天賦或血統。因此，政治的目標應該是確保人民的利益。孟子提出的「天命轉移」在當時的政治理論中是一個重大的革新，強調政治統治的合法性應建立在人民的基礎之上。他主張以「仁義」為本的政治理念，認為君臣和君民之間應該建立在道德和公正的基礎上，強調個人修養和品德的重要性。孟子提出的「仁政」，強調了政治的人本性，他主張君王應當以民為本，對民眾實行仁政，保障民眾的基本權益和福祉。
孟子在他的著作中強調了以義為出發點的重要性，並提出了一系列觀點來闡釋仁義之道在社會生活中的應用。他區分了君子與小人的區別，指出君子注重義，而小人注重利。孟子強調了「善政得民心」的重要性，他的政治思想以仁義為本，對當時的政治體制和社會秩序產生了深遠影響，也影響了後世的政治哲學和道德理念。
孟子主張國與國之間應以「仁義」相待，而非以武力侵略。他認為大國應尊重小國的主權和利益，建立互惠互利的關係。這種外交理念反映了對仁義的高度重視，並讓國與國之間的互動建立在道德和公正的基礎上。
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.
荀子的教育觀
Xunzi's View on Education
荀子在《荀子．勸學》中深入探討了學習的價值和重要性。他指出，學習是永無止境的，如同青出於藍勝於藍，冰比水更為寒冷，這比喻強調了學習的積極性和持續性，君子應不斷學習、反省，實現智慧和行動的無過。荀子認為，通過廣泛的學習和不斷的反思，人才能不斷提升自我，實現個人的成長和進步。
他主張的廣泛學習和持續進取的精神，成為後世教育思想的重要一環，對儒家教育、科舉制度和現代教育體系都有啟示意義。在《勸學》中，他強調了學習的重要性，透過一系列生動的比喻和深刻的分析，闡述了持續學習的必要性和積累的重要性。他指出，唯有持續不懈的努力和追求，才能取得成功。
他的思想強調教育的目的在啟迪智慧、培養品德，並強調個人修養和道德的重要性。此外，荀子主張學術研究要堅持不懈與不斷追求卓越，他的勸學之道鼓舞了後世學子，激發了他們對知識的渴望和真理的追求，更推動了中國古代學術的繁榮發展。
荀子的思想充滿哲學的深度和辯證的鋒芒，他提出的「性惡」一直是儒家思想的重要議題。他認為人性中雖然有本惡，但善良是可以通過教化、禮義的培養實現的。他以天、人之道相比，闡述人性惡的本源，並提出了對性與偽關係的新思路。
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.
孟子與荀子：儒家思想的光輝傳承
Mencius and Xunzi: The Glorious Transmission of Confucian Thought
在孟子和荀子的思想中，我們見證了兩位偉大思想家對中國古代哲學的深遠貢獻。他們的思想不僅塑造了當時的政治與社會觀念，也影響了後世數百年的文化發展。無論是孟子所強調的仁政理念，還是荀子對於教育的著重，都在當時與後世展現出深刻的現實意義與價值。他們的思想承襲、發展了儒家傳統，同時也開拓了新的思維領域，為中國古代文化的多樣性和豐富性注入了新的活力。
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.
資料來源：
文藻外語大學 徐漢昌教授
