Moral Education and Self-Actualization in the Thought of Mencius

The present article deals with the analytical study of moral education and self-actualization in the thought of Mencius, one of the greatest sages of ancient China and one of the most important commentators and promoters of Confucianism. Mencius's thought is based on the knowledge of man, and in addition to the knowing human nature, abilities and talents, it shows the way of their actualization, so that transform a man into a wise and perfect human being. Mencius considers human nature to be inherently good and believes that what the humanity of man depends on for growth and prosperity are four feelings, known as "Four Beginnings" that must be recognized and flourished, so that a potential man become an actual man. These Four Beginnings are as follows: 1). Feeling of pity is the beginning of kindness; 2). Feeling of shame and modesty is the beginning of conscientiousness; 3). Humility and decency is the beginning of observing rituals and ceremonies; and 4). Ability to distinguish between right and wrong is the beginning of wisdom. Like the four members of his body, every man has inherently all of these four existential seeds, and whoever denies them is like one who paralyzing himself by his own hand. But on the contrary, if a person can fully nurture and flourish these four seeds, he achieve perfection and wisdom. These beginnings are neither learned nor acquired; but they are gifts that Heaven/Ti’an has put them in Human Mind/Heart to be the defining characteristics of human being compared to other beings.