The Mind of Mencius

Abstract

MR. FABER is already well known in the field of Chinese studies by his digest of the doctrines of Confucius. In the present volume he gives us a systematic digest of those of Mencius, the greatest and most popular of the disciples-of Confucius. These two philosophers form the bulwarks of Chinese conservatism, against the doctrines of socialism and communism, which first thrust themselves into notice after the death of Confucius. These men, as the translator remarks, made no appeal to external credentials; they rather based the truth of their mission on the conformity of their doctrines with the essentials of the human mind, as shown by observation. To them the “state” is everything—it is “the sum of all human endeavours, natural and civilised, working together as a united organisation.” For about 3000 years the political fabric of China, based on the principles of which Confucius and his disciples were the exponents rather than originators, has held together in spite of shocks before which any other system known in history would have disappeared, and at the present day seems as vital and vigorous as at any portion of its existence. To explain by the light of the best commentators what these principles, as enunciated by Mencius were, is the object of Mr. Faber. This philosopher was a contemporary of Plato and Aristotle, but his doctrines are still living and active principles in Chinese ethics and politics. The value of this work will be perceived when it is remembere I that at no time since relations commenced between China and the West has the former been so powerful—we had almost said aggressive—as now. She is drawing closer to us as time goes on, but there is no evidence that the tenacity of her hold on her ancient political doctrines is relaxing. For those who will give it careful study Mr. Faber's work is one of the most valuable of the excellent series to which it belongs.

The Mind of Mencius.

By the Rev. E. Faber. Translated by the Rev. A. B. Hutchinson. (Trübner's Oriental Series. 1881.)