148 Quotes by Mencius

Human nature is good, just as water seeks low ground. There is no man who is not good, just as there is no water that does not flow downward.

If you know that a thing is unrighteous, then use all dispatch in putting an end to it--why wait till next year?

Sincerity is the way to heaven; to think how to be sincere is the way of man.

The foundation of the world lies in the nation. The foundation of the nation lies in the family. The foundation of the family lies in the individual.

If the prince of a State love benevolence, he will have no opponent in all the empire.

To lay hold of the mean without taking into account the occasion is like grasping one thing only.

Water indeed will flow indifferently to the east or west, but will it flow indifferently up or down? The tendency of our nature to good is like the tendency of water to flow downwards. There are none but have this tendency to good, just as all water flows downward.

Listen to a man's words and look at the pupil of his eye. How can a man conceal his character?

Never lose your child's heart.