Mencius

Mencius, also known as Mengzi (孟子), was a Chinese philosopher who lived during the Warring States period (circa 372–289 BCE). He is considered one of the most important Confucian thinkers after Confucius himself. Mencius expanded upon Confucian ideas and is known for his emphasis on the inherent goodness of human nature, arguing that people are born with the capacity for compassion, benevolence, and righteousness.