The Essential Mengzi: Selected Passages with Traditional Commentary

by Mencius, Bryan W. Van Norden

The Essential Mengzi offers a representative selection from Bryan Van Norden's acclaimed translation of the full work, including the most frequently studied passages and covering all of the work's major themes. An appendix of selections from the classic commentary of Zhu Xi—one of the most influential and insightful interpreters of Confucianism—keyed to relevant passages, provides access to the text and to its reception and interpretation. Also included are a general Introduction, timeline, glossary, and selected bibliography.

Genres: Philosophy, China, Nonfiction, Eastern Philosophy

194 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 15, 2009

About the author

Mencius (Chinese: 孟子; pinyin: Mèng Zǐ; Wade–Giles: Meng Tzu; Zhuyin Fuhao: ㄇㄥˋ ㄗˇ, most accepted dates: 372 – 289 BCE; other possible dates: 385 – 303/302 BCE) was a Chinese philosopher who was arguably the most famous Confucian after Confucius himself.

Also known by his birth name Meng Ke or Ko, Mencius was born in the State of Zou, now forming the territory of the county-level city of Zoucheng (originally Zouxian), Shandong province, only thirty kilometres (eighteen miles) south of Qufu, Confucius' birthplace.

He was an itinerant Chinese philosopher and sage, and one of the principal interpreters of Confucianism. Supposedly, he was a pupil of Confucius' grandson, Zisi. Like Confucius, according to legend, he travelled China for forty years to offer advice to rulers for reform. During the Warring States Period (403–221 BCE), Mencius served as an official and scholar at the Jixia Academy in the State of Qi (1046 BCE to 221 BCE) from 319 to 312 BCE. He expressed his filial devotion when he took an absence of three years from his official duties for Qi to mourn his mother's death. Disappointed at his failure to effect changes in his contemporary world, he retired from public life.

Mencius is buried in the "Mencius Cemetery" (孟子林, Mengzi Lin, also known as 亚圣林, Yasheng Lin), which is located 12 km to the northeast of Zoucheng's central urban area. A stele carried by a giant stone tortoise and crowned with dragons stands in front of his grave.

Reviews

[татуаиа💫 · Rating 3 out of 5]

An ordinary and not very flashy book that I had to read for a college class, so it was nothing profound but more so insightful. Zhu Xi carefully interprets and defines the philosophy of Confucius and integrates it into how (ancient) Chinese rulers should behave, rules for gentlemen, and just the overall character of a benevolent ruler. Standard read and informative.

[Noah · Rating 3 out of 5]

5/10, 3/5 stars (rounded up due to easy ability to recommend)

The early Confuciusian philosopher Mengzi adds to Kongzi in ways which anyone who is frustrated with other writings can appreciate. Mengzi expands on Kongzi, adding arguments and deeper meaning behind the commands of Kongzi. In addition to this, his view on him nature trending towards good -- but requiring nurturing to reach -- is a beautiful outlook on how we react and respond to eachother in the world.

The only thing I didnt care for was hoe surface level the philosophy felt. It wasn't bad, but it feels like this is a book people should begin with when it comes to philosophy rather than one someone must read later on in their journey.

Other than that, I can easily see each section being used to begin a fun discussion on the world and can easily recommend this book.

[James ♡ · Rating 5 out of 5]

A truly insightful look into Mengzi's values and teachings, that was easy to follow despite how old the text is.

[Anna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some cool lines in here 👍

[Madison · Rating 2 out of 5]

Bored the shift out of me.

[grace (⊙_◎)]

hon 104 - self, community, and cosmos
confusing... i dont think i am cut out for confucianism

[meg (the.hidden.colophon) · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this for Classical Greek Philosophy in Fall ‘22.