Inheriting the Torch
In the Confucian cosmos, Confucius (551–479 BC) is the Sage. A century later, Meng Ke—known to the wider world as Mencius—stepped in as his intellectual heir. Together, they ignited the Confucian universe’s very own big bang.
Born Good by Design
Mencius believed that human nature is inherently good, much like a program with optimistic defaults. His question—“Born good, coded better?”—invites us to explore how early virtues can be shaped and refined in any era.
Roots in Shandong
Both sages hail from what is now the Chinese mainland’s Shandong Province, their birthplaces just a 30-minute drive apart by modern standards. This shared geography offers a poetic reminder of their linked legacies.
Legendary Maternal Wisdom
Details of Mencius’s early life remain scarce. His father is veiled in mystery, but his mother lives on in tales of exemplary dedication. Legend has it she moved house three times to secure the best educational environment for her son—a story that still inspires parents and learners today.
Legacy for a Global Age
In an era defined by code and connectivity, Mencius’s blueprint for nurturing innate goodness feels surprisingly current. His blend of moral optimism and practical wisdom offers a timeless guide for building kinder societies and more inclusive digital cultures.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
