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The Works of Mencius
Second only to Confucius in the main stream of Chinese philosophic thought stands the philosopher Mencius (c. 372–289 B.C.). Born into troubled times, when China was politically fractured and socially and economically chaotic, Mencius vigorously proposed the doctrines of Confucius as the solution of China's problems. He remained throughout his life, however, a man "with a mission but no position," and it was for later centuries to recognize both his brilliance within the tradition and his great original contribution to social thought. Until very modern times he has been regarded as China's Second Master.
This edition of Mencius' works contains the complete texts of his writings in Chinese, printed in large, clear characters. It also contains the revised version of the English translation prepared by the great Sinologist James Legge.
There is a wealth of critical and scholarly material for both the beginner and advanced a long historical introduction, providing both cultural and philosophical background; many quotations from Confucianist and anti-Confucianist writers, annotations for difficult sections, and many other useful features. It is the fullest edition of Mencius ever prepared in English, indispensable for any Sinologist who wants an accurate text, for the philosophy student, and even for the layman who wishes to meet the remarkably clear profundities of Mencius' thought.
Today the thought of Mencius is of importance beyond its circumstances of origin. Mencius proposed a humanitarian, common-sense philosophy which, paradoxically, stressed the rights of the individual against the state. Mencius created a sensation when he declared that unjust rulers could be deposed, and challenged the evil result of misused power.
This edition of Mencius' works contains the complete texts of his writings in Chinese, printed in large, clear characters. It also contains the revised version of the English translation prepared by the great Sinologist James Legge.
There is a wealth of critical and scholarly material for both the beginner and advanced a long historical introduction, providing both cultural and philosophical background; many quotations from Confucianist and anti-Confucianist writers, annotations for difficult sections, and many other useful features. It is the fullest edition of Mencius ever prepared in English, indispensable for any Sinologist who wants an accurate text, for the philosophy student, and even for the layman who wishes to meet the remarkably clear profundities of Mencius' thought.
Today the thought of Mencius is of importance beyond its circumstances of origin. Mencius proposed a humanitarian, common-sense philosophy which, paradoxically, stressed the rights of the individual against the state. Mencius created a sensation when he declared that unjust rulers could be deposed, and challenged the evil result of misused power.
608 pages, Paperback
First published June 1, 1990
About the author
Mencius
132 books80 followersMencius (Chinese: 孟子; pinyin: Mèng Zǐ; Wade–Giles: Meng Tzu; Zhuyin Fuhao: ㄇㄥˋ ㄗˇ, most accepted dates: 372 – 289 BCE; other possible dates: 385 – 303/302 BCE) was a Chinese philosopher who was arguably the most famous Confucian after Confucius himself.
Also known by his birth name Meng Ke or Ko, Mencius was born in the State of Zou, now forming the territory of the county-level city of Zoucheng (originally Zouxian), Shandong province, only thirty kilometres (eighteen miles) south of Qufu, Confucius' birthplace.
He was an itinerant Chinese philosopher and sage, and one of the principal interpreters of Confucianism. Supposedly, he was a pupil of Confucius' grandson, Zisi. Like Confucius, according to legend, he travelled China for forty years to offer advice to rulers for reform. During the Warring States Period (403–221 BCE), Mencius served as an official and scholar at the Jixia Academy in the State of Qi (1046 BCE to 221 BCE) from 319 to 312 BCE. He expressed his filial devotion when he took an absence of three years from his official duties for Qi to mourn his mother's death. Disappointed at his failure to effect changes in his contemporary world, he retired from public life.
Mencius is buried in the "Mencius Cemetery" (孟子林, Mengzi Lin, also known as 亚圣林, Yasheng Lin), which is located 12 km to the northeast of Zoucheng's central urban area. A stele carried by a giant stone tortoise and crowned with dragons stands in front of his grave.
Also known by his birth name Meng Ke or Ko, Mencius was born in the State of Zou, now forming the territory of the county-level city of Zoucheng (originally Zouxian), Shandong province, only thirty kilometres (eighteen miles) south of Qufu, Confucius' birthplace.
He was an itinerant Chinese philosopher and sage, and one of the principal interpreters of Confucianism. Supposedly, he was a pupil of Confucius' grandson, Zisi. Like Confucius, according to legend, he travelled China for forty years to offer advice to rulers for reform. During the Warring States Period (403–221 BCE), Mencius served as an official and scholar at the Jixia Academy in the State of Qi (1046 BCE to 221 BCE) from 319 to 312 BCE. He expressed his filial devotion when he took an absence of three years from his official duties for Qi to mourn his mother's death. Disappointed at his failure to effect changes in his contemporary world, he retired from public life.
Mencius is buried in the "Mencius Cemetery" (孟子林, Mengzi Lin, also known as 亚圣林, Yasheng Lin), which is located 12 km to the northeast of Zoucheng's central urban area. A stele carried by a giant stone tortoise and crowned with dragons stands in front of his grave.
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
January 14, 2020
Legge’s translation of Mengzi is obviously dated and quaint now to 21st century readers. His translation and introduction is so very Victorian sounding. Nowadays, I would absolutely recommend Bryan W. Van Norden’s translation to anyone, but this version is important for scholars and serious students of Mengzi must read Legge’s version for sure. I like his section of Mengzi’s reception after death. And his index and appended essays are amazing fetes of work that I can’t imagine how long must have taken him to complete in the age of typewriters.
March 23, 2023
Interesting how the way we carry ourselves translates to the affairs of our country. The way we handle our relationships is how first handle ourselves. We are to do what is right, not what is easy. Great reminders in today's world!
January 28, 2021
This Chinese classic is usually read in addition to Confucius. I learned a lot from this text.
December 10, 2012
Bill actually bought this for me a couple years ago and I finally decided I should really read it. I have to say I had been inspired to read it after reading a book that talked about education of boys and girls contributing to gender roles. In Imperial China it seemed that the main reason given in favour of the education of girls was so that they'd be able to instruct their sons when they became mothers, as Mencius' mother had done. Unfortunately everything written about her comes from the biography of Mencius and other sources, other than his book, but at least James Legge did include a bit about her in his introduction. Legge is one of the earliest English Sinologists and translated just about everything. He was a missionary (I believe) in China in the mid to late 19th century. And even though there's been many translations since his they are still easily found today. The Dover reprint of this book is rather spectacular. It has roughly a 100 pages of background and philosophical ideas, he also includes, with the Chinese and the translation, passages from the philosophers that Mencius mentioned and was speaking against. He then includes the full text, a translation, and notes explaining the meaning of the words, and a full dictionary! This time through I mostly read the English, but would then attempt some of the Chinese to see how far I could get. I think I shall have a proper go with the Confucius of his first, but I'm sure this book will be very useful in the years to come helping me with my study. The text itself was a little disappointing. There seemed to be so much that was just focused on government and being a good Emperor, and not so much that was easily transferable to lesser mortals. I liked his arguments that people were by nature good and that if you were a just ruler they'd behave. And that it was the ruler's responsibility to treat his subjects well. I was actually a little surprised to see how very Confucian it was how he repeatedly spoke in reverence of Confucius and followed on from his teachings. I suppose I found this surprising as all the other philosophers at the time seemed to be doing their own thing, and Mencius' was not so highly thought of until centuries later. I also felt that there was much that I was missing, and will have to try again at some point. I have to say I do find Chinese religion more interesting than its philosophy, (and I realise the trouble with using those English words and creating a dichotomy where there isn't one). But I am very glad I read it, and shall have to go through it again at a later date once my Chinese has improved. It is rather embarrassing that I haven't read the actual works of so many famous Chinese philosophers. But I will aim to fix that. As I feel like I really should.
June 10, 2008
Available on-line (English only), here.
Mencius has a great deal to say about the essentially good nature of man. His doctrine assumes that all individuals long for self-improvement and the peace that comes from an unshakable spirit. All his words are designed to nourish this tendency and to encourage all who he teaches to discern, and act upon, the difference between truth and error.
The Legge translation is a decidedly Christian perspective, with all the benefits and perils that that implies. Many phrases throughout the translation are clearly Biblical, and this enables those with a deep Biblical background (as I have) to infer a great deal about the concepts. Of course, this also carries the risk of losing meaning and intention by masking difficult passages with a familiar façade.
One of my favorite passages is Mencius's discourse on the passion-nature, more commonly referred to today as ch'i. Here, he describes the way to obtain true power is "produced by the accumulation of righteous deeds; it is not to be obtained by incidental acts of righteousness." This emphasizes the importance of consistent goodness (even, or especially, in private) over easy appearances.
While I like the Legge translation, some of the tricker parts are rendered more clearly by Charles Muller.
Mencius has a great deal to say about the essentially good nature of man. His doctrine assumes that all individuals long for self-improvement and the peace that comes from an unshakable spirit. All his words are designed to nourish this tendency and to encourage all who he teaches to discern, and act upon, the difference between truth and error.
The Legge translation is a decidedly Christian perspective, with all the benefits and perils that that implies. Many phrases throughout the translation are clearly Biblical, and this enables those with a deep Biblical background (as I have) to infer a great deal about the concepts. Of course, this also carries the risk of losing meaning and intention by masking difficult passages with a familiar façade.
One of my favorite passages is Mencius's discourse on the passion-nature, more commonly referred to today as ch'i. Here, he describes the way to obtain true power is "produced by the accumulation of righteous deeds; it is not to be obtained by incidental acts of righteousness." This emphasizes the importance of consistent goodness (even, or especially, in private) over easy appearances.
While I like the Legge translation, some of the tricker parts are rendered more clearly by Charles Muller.
May 9, 2012
Classic text of Confucianism. To me, Meng Tzu is more accessible than Confucius in his teachings. If you are interested in philosophy you should certainly read this work. If you are interested in East Asian history, culture, and society this is a must read.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews