Mencius

Mencius debated Gaozi on whether human nature is inherently good or neutral. Mencius argued that humans possess four innate sprouts of virtue (benevolence, righteousness, propriety, wisdom) that must be cultivated. This debate shaped Confucian moral psychology.

Mencius advised King Xuan of Qi on benevolent governance, arguing that a ruler's legitimacy depends on the people's welfare. He criticized the king for failing to implement humane policies. This encounter exemplified Mencius's political philosophy of the people's primacy.

Mencius's disciples compiled his dialogues and teachings into the Mencius, a text of seven chapters. The work argues for innate human goodness and the right of the people to overthrow unjust rulers. It became one of the Four Books of Neo-Confucianism.