CONFUCIUS

NA

CONFUCIUS

FOUNDER

CONFUCIANISM

NOT A RELIGION BUT RATHER A PHILOSPHICAL MOVEMENT

Human Nature as Originally Good (Mengzi/Mencius, 孟子)

Mencius taught that people are born with an inherent tendency toward goodness—compassion, righteousness, propriety, and wisdom. Evil arises when people fail to develop or nurture these natural virtues due to poor environment or neglect.

Human Nature as Originally Evil (Xunzi/Hsun Tze, 荀子)

-In contrast, Hsun Tze believed humans are naturally selfish, driven by desires and greed. Left unchecked, this leads to disorder. Only through strict education, discipline, and social rituals can people become moral and live harmoniously.