Mencius and Xunzi

A detailed Summary of Mencius and Xunzi


Confucianism focuses on the quest for perfection of ones moral character. Two primary Confucianists were Mencius and Hsun Tzu. While they were both Confucians, these two Confucianists held opposing views about human nature. Because Mencius and Hsun Tzu differ on their perception of human nature, their conceptions can alter a person's comprehension of a problem.

Mencius believed that human nature is good. Every person is born with instilled virtues. If a person is not virtuous, then he has been corrupted by his environment. Mencius's makes emphases on four main virtues. These virtues are righteousness, ritual property, benevolence, and wisdom. Although these virtues are instilled in a human being from his or her birth, they must be nurtured and put into effect in order to become fully developed. People are made good with good intentions, and must work to maintain their good nature.

Hsun Tzu believed human nature is bad. No one is born with any of their principles already instilled in their nature. Therefore, they must be taught and cultivated in ethics. Throughout Hsun Tzu's basic writings he gives key subjects people should learn and use that knowledge to apply the subjects to their lives. These points includ


How a person understands a problem is important because understanding leads to a solution. If a person understands a problem in a different way then someone else, there will be different solutions. Mencius and Hsun Tzu had different views on human nature. Therefore, their conceptions altered the way one perceives a problem. These conceptions are imperative and should be carefully applied to the correct problems. This will create solutions that will provide suitable conclusions.

A contemporary issue America is facing today is whether or not to go to war with Iraq. Many different people have opposing views on this subject. One group, who would be Hsun Tzu followers, would like to destroy the evil that could plague the United States with nuclear weapons. Whereas another group, who would be Mencius followers, would like to assume the good in the Iraqi people, and work to bring out the inner good that is instilled inside these foreigners. Mencius and Hsun Tzu would have been these opposing forces on the subject of how to fix the problem with Iraq. Mencius believed we should work a problem from the inside out. Therefore, America would try to find a more peaceful way of solving the problem. They would attempt to change the citizens o

Some common words found in the essay are:
Hsun Tzu, Hsun Tzu's, Iraq Mencius, Whereas Mencius, human nature, Evil Confucianism, hsun tzu, Confucians Confucianists, mencius hsun tzu, Mencius Hsun, mencius hsun, hsun tzu's, Iraq America, , views human nature, mencius believed, views human, perception human, believed human, nature hsun, hsun tzu believed, perception human nature, believed human nature, war iraq,

Approximate Word count = 833
Approximate Pages = 3 (250 words per page double spaced)

Category: Miscellaneous

join now Save Paper

Related Essays

  • Confucianism, Daoism and Legalism ... thought systems of Chinese history. Of his followers, Mencius and Xunzi became the most renown. Since Confucius did not succeed ... 1292 words
  • Daoism vs. Confusianism ... of Chinese history. Lower and Rajendra 1985:95 Of his followers, Mencius and Xunzi became the most renowned. McKenzie 1986:192 ... 1807 words
  • Confucianism ... Mencius and Hsun Tzu Xunzi were two later teachers of the Confucius ideas, but each had their own twist to what Confucius had started. ... 2082 words
  • Taoism ... These are the products of reflection and artifice, not nature. However, in other ways Xunzi seems to edge closer to Mencius. He ... 5834 words


Saved Paper

Save your papers so you can locate them quickly!

Newest Essays

Testimonials

  • "Thank You So Much!!! You have saved me once again!!!"
    Jack M.
  • "With so many papers to chose from, I was able to get ideas to help me with all of my classes. Thank You!"
    Brian P.
  • "I've used this site for the last 3 years to help me come up with ideas for my papers."
    Sara J.
  • "I use this site every week to help me write my own papers!"
    Rachel W.
  • "I love this site!!!"
    Marie N.
Home Join Now Support
Acceptable Use Policy About us FAQ
All papers are for research and reference purposes only!
© 2002-2009 DirectEssays.com. All Rights Reserved.