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'Human nature and the essence of goodness' is a concept introduced by Confucius and conveyed to later generations by Mencius, his disciple. This moral principle is completely contrary to Tuân Tử's assertion of the inherent evil of human nature. So, how should we interpret the meaning of this statement? Let's explore it together with Mytour through the following article.
What is the essence of Human Nature and the Essence of Goodness?
Humans are inherently individuals with good and kind natures. However, over time and influenced by family and society, their disposition changes, and negative traits may emerge. To maintain their inherent goodness and prevent the development of evil, education, preservation, and cultivation of a healthy lifestyle are necessary. Therefore, the roles of teachers and parents are extremely important and essential.
How should we understand the concept of Human Nature and the Essence of Goodness?
According to Mencius's perspective, 'human' here is utilized in politics. He argued that 'For a country to develop, it must prioritize its people, followed by its social norms, and only then the ruler.' To become a ruler, one must be protected by the people. Therefore, prioritizing the people's welfare, ensuring their material and spiritual well-being, is paramount. When the people are well-fed, settled, and content, they can then receive Confucian education, understand ritual propriety, ethics, and harmonious coexistence. If the ruler fails to gain the people's approval, it will inevitably lead to dissatisfaction and rebellion against the monarchy.
Additionally, he aims to use the above statement to illustrate the innate goodness of human beings. He believes that humans are inherently good, possessing a conscience, a sense of shame, respect, and a sense of shame, respect, and sensitivity to disgrace. Whether one becomes good or bad depends on upbringing. Therefore, those who teach Confucianism must be virtuous, loving, promoting goodness, and rejecting evil.
The third characteristic in his perspective lies in the word 'initial.' Here, 'initial' does not refer to newborns but rather to the primitive state of human beings. Everything that remains at the 'initial' stage is perfect.
Therefore, humans are inherently virtuous when born, but their conscience is not inherently present; it is shaped through nurture and education. Unlike animals, humans possess morality and emotions towards other humans and the natural world, thus necessitating the expansion of empathy within each individual.
After reading this article, we hope you will better grasp the meaning of the phrase 'Human nature and the essence of goodness' and strive to become a virtuous individual, preventing the emergence of wrongdoing.
