Mencius: Nurturing the Sprouts of Virtue and Happiness

Mencius: Sprouts of Virtue and Irrepressible Happiness

Mencius (372-289 BCE), a Chinese philosopher during the Warring States period, emphasized the idea that human nature contains “sprouts of virtue” that, when nurtured, grow into a flourishing state of happiness and moral fulfillment. He famously stated, “When they (the sprouts of virtue) are rejoiced in, they will grow. Once they begin growing, how can they be stopped? As they cannot be stopped, unconsciously one's feet begin to dance and one's hands begin to move.”

Through lively debates and thought-provoking stories like “The Child by the Well” and “King Hui and the Ox,” Mencius argued that these sprouts of humanity lie within us all. By nourishing them through righteous actions, people experience a growing sense of joy and fulfillment. According to Mencius, this joy is a vital motivator for doing good and serves as the foundation for lasting happiness.

The Role of Joy in Virtuous Action

Mencius' philosophy links virtue with happiness in a unique way, contrasting sharply with Kant's moral imperative, which emphasizes doing good purely for its own sake, without expectation of personal benefit. Mencius believed that the more joy we find in virtuous actions, the more motivated we are to continue on this path, leading to further personal growth. He stressed that if we do not feel satisfaction from these actions, the sprouts of virtue would wither away.

He taught that the mind mediates between the “lesser self” (focused on physiological needs) and the “greater self” (focused on moral goals). By aligning our priorities and nurturing our “greater self,” Mencius believed we could achieve sagehood and personal fulfillment.

Nourishing the “Sprouts” for Self-Realization

Mencius used the metaphor of “sprouts” to describe our innate tendencies towards virtue, such as compassion and righteousness. Just as a farmer tends to his crops, we must nurture these sprouts with righteous actions and a deep sense of joy. He believed that “vital energy” (qi) was strengthened by performing moral acts, growing like a flood until it filled the heavens and earth.

However, this “qi” could only grow through genuine, righteous actions—not contrived efforts. If our actions do not bring satisfaction to our mind, this vital force would shrivel. Thus, Mencius emphasized the role of joy and personal satisfaction in the growth of moral and spiritual strength.

The Dual Structure of the Self

Mencius also introduced the concept of a dual self—the “greater self” and “lesser self.” The “greater self” represents the moral, virtuous side, while the “lesser self” focuses on physical desires and material needs. Mencius argued that happiness is difficult to achieve when the “lesser self” dominates, leading to imbalance and stunted personal growth.

True self-realization occurs when the “greater self” guides the “lesser self,” with the mind playing a critical role in maintaining this balance. Mencius urged people to prioritize moral inclinations over sensual desires, as this leads to a life of greater fulfillment and happiness.

Dancing to Virtue: The Joy of Growth

Mencius described an ecstatic experience that arises from the cultivation of virtues: “When one rejoices in them, they grow. When they grow, how can they be stopped? And when they cannot be stopped, unconsciously one's feet begin to dance and one's arms begin to wave.” The joy of practicing humanity, righteousness, and wisdom is self-sustaining and infectious, leading to deeper personal growth and fulfillment.

Conclusion: Mencius' Optimistic View of Human Nature

Mencius' teachings present an optimistic view of human nature, emphasizing that we are naturally inclined towards virtue and happiness. Unlike the belief that humans require strict rules to control their wicked tendencies, Mencius believed that people have “moral sprouts” that, when nourished through righteous action and self-reflection, lead to joy and fulfillment. His philosophy underscores the importance of personal example and reflection, rather than indoctrination, in achieving genuine humanity and happiness.