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The tendency of man's nature to good is like the tendency of water to flow downwards. — Mencius · 300 BCBenevolence, righteousness, propriety, and knowledge are not infused into us from without. — Mencius · 300 BCAll men have in themselves that which is truly honorable. Only they do not think of it. — Mencius · 300 BC
Human nature2 quotes
The tendency of man's nature to good is like the tendency of water to flow downwards. — Mencius · 300 BCBenevolence, righteousness, propriety, and knowledge are not infused into us from without. — Mencius · 300 BC
The root of the kingdom is the state. The root of the state is in the family. The root of the family is in the person of its head. — Mencius · 300 BCThe people turn to a benevolent rule as water flows downwards, and as wild beasts fly to the wilderness. — Mencius · 300 BC
The great man is the one who does not lose his [originally good] child's heart. — Mencius · 300 BC
Friendship with a man is friendship with his virtue, and does not admit of assumptions of superiority. — Mencius · 300 BC
Friendship1 quote
Friendship with a man is friendship with his virtue, and does not admit of assumptions of superiority. — Mencius · 300 BC
The superior man will not manifest either narrowmindedness or the want of self-respect. — Mencius · 300 BC
Great men1 quote
The great man is he who does not lose his child's heart. — Mencius · 300 BC
Ignorance1 quote
All men have in themselves that which is truly honorable. Only they do not think of it. — Mencius · 300 BC
The great man is he who does not lose his child's heart. — Mencius · 300 BC
The root of the kingdom is the state. The root of the state is in the family. The root of the family is in the person of its head. — Mencius · 300 BC
Submission1 quote
When one by force subdues men, they do not submit to him in heart. They submit, because their strength is not adequate to resist. — Mencius · 300 BC
When one by force subdues men, they do not submit to him in heart. They submit, because their strength is not adequate to resist. — Mencius · 300 BC