# Mencius

- Author: [Mencius](https://www.leafyquotes.com/mencius.md)
- Quotes: 11
- Book page: https://www.leafyquotes.com/mencius/mencius
- JSON version (same data): https://www.leafyquotes.com/mencius/mencius.json

## Quotes

> The great man is the one who does not lose his child's heart.

[Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/mencius/mencius/the-great-man.md)

Topics: [childhood](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/childhood.md)

> Sincerity is the way of Heaven

[Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/mencius/mencius/sincerity-is-the.md)

Topics: [honesty](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/honesty.md)

> Mencius went to see King Huei of Liang. The king said, "Venerable sir, since you have not counted it far to come here, a distance of a thousand li, may I presume that you are provided with counsels to profit my kingdom?" Mencius replied, "Why must your Majesty use that word "profit"? What I am provided with, are counsels to benevolence and righteousness, and these are my only topics."

p. 124 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/mencius/mencius/mencius-went-to-see.md)

Topics: [morality](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/morality.md), [money](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/money.md)

> He who exerts his mind to the utmost knows his nature.

p. 62 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/mencius/mencius/he-who-exerts.md)

Topics: [self-knowledge](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/self-knowledge.md)

> Before a man can do things there must be things he will not do.

p. 59 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/mencius/mencius/before-a-man.md)

Topics: [morality](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/morality.md)

> The feeling of commiseration is the beginning of humanity; the feeling of shame and dislike is the beginning of righteousness; the feeling of deference and compliance is the beginning of propriety; and the feeling of right or wrong is the beginning of wisdom.
>
> Men have these Four Beginnings just as they have their four limbs. Having these Four Beginnings, but saying that they cannot develop them is to destroy themselves.

p. 65 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/mencius/mencius/the-feeling-of-commiseration.md)

Topics: [human nature](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/human-nature.md), [wisdom](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/wisdom.md)

> The superior man has three things in which he delights, and to be ruler over the kingdom is not one of them. That his father and mother are both alive, and that the condition of his brothers affords no cause for anxiety;—this is one delight. That, when looking up, he has no occasion for shame before Heaven, and, below, he has no occasion to blush before men;—this is a second delight. That he can get from the whole kingdom the most talented individuals, and teach and nourish them;—this is the third delight.

p. 335 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/mencius/mencius/the-superior-man.md)

Topics: [happiness](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/happiness.md), [family](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/family.md)

> The sense of mercy is found in all men; the sense of shame is found in all men; the sense of respect is found in all men; the sense of right and wrong is found in all men.

[Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/mencius/mencius/the-sense-of-mercy.md)

Topics: [human nature](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/human-nature.md), [morality](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/morality.md)

> Those who are humane achieve glory. Those who are inhumane suffer disgrace.

[Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/mencius/mencius/those-who-are.md)

Topics: [kindness](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/kindness.md)

> If you let people follow their feelings, they will be able to do good. This is what is meant by saying that human nature is good.

[Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/mencius/mencius/if-you-let.md)

Topics: [human nature](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/human-nature.md), [kindness](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/kindness.md)

> The way of learning is none other than finding the lost mind.

p. 58 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/mencius/mencius/the-way-of-learning.md)

Topics: [education](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/education.md)