Which philosopher reinforced Confucian teaching that people are innately good?

Which philosopher reinforced Confucian teaching that people are innately good?

• A. Xun-zi
• B. Meng-zi
• C. Confucius
• D. Mencius

Answer: (B)

Mencius, also spelled Mengzi, argued that human nature is innately good, a view that fits within Confucian ideas about benevolence and virtue. He believed everyone is born with the four sprouts—benevolence, righteousness, propriety, and wisdom—that can grow into full virtue if nurtured by the right environment, education, and social conditions. His famous moral examples show an inherent concern for others and the spontaneous sense of right and wrong that can be developed into mature character. This stands in contrast to Xunzi, who held that human nature is not inherently good and needs discipline and ritual to become virtuous. Confucius laid the groundwork for moral cultivation, but Mencius is the one who explicitly champions the idea of innate goodness. Meng-zi and Mencius refer to the same philosopher, reinforcing this view within Confucian thought.

Mencius, also spelled Mengzi, argued that human nature is innately good, a view that fits within Confucian ideas about benevolence and virtue. He believed everyone is born with the four sprouts—benevolence, righteousness, propriety, and wisdom—that can grow into full virtue if nurtured by the right environment, education, and social conditions. His famous moral examples show an inherent concern for others and the spontaneous sense of right and wrong that can be developed into mature character. This stands in contrast to Xunzi, who held that human nature is not inherently good and needs discipline and ritual to become virtuous. Confucius laid the groundwork for moral cultivation, but Mencius is the one who explicitly champions the idea of innate goodness. Meng-zi and Mencius refer to the same philosopher, reinforcing this view within Confucian thought.