Known throughout East Asia as Mengzi or Master Meng <strong>Mencius</strong> 391308B.C.E. was a Chinese philosopher of the late Zhou dynasty an instrumentalfigu... » 

Known throughout East Asia as Mengzi or Master Meng Mencius 391308B.C.E. was a Chinese philosopher of the late Zhou dynasty an instrumentalfigure in the spread of the Confucian tradition and a brilliant illuminator ofits ideas. Mencius was active during the Warring States Period 403221B.C.E. in which competing powers sought to control the declining Zhou empire.Like Confucius Mencius journeyed to one feudal court after another searchingfor a proper lord who could put his teachings into practice. Only a leader whopossessed the moral qualities of a true king could unify China Menciusbelieved and in his defense of Zhou rule and Confucian philosophy hedeveloped an innovative and highly nuanced approach to understanding politicsselfcultivation and human nature profoundly influencing the course ofConfucian thought and East Asian culture. «