Comparing The Philosophies Of Mencius And Han Feizi

Mencius and Han Feizi were both Chinese philosophers who supported various beliefs in how to properly govern a state. Together, they were able to create a diverse influence in both the past and present world. Mencius strongly believed that humans are inherently good, while Han Feizi was a philosopher adamant about the human nature being selfish and corrupt.
Mencius proves that people are naturally virtuous by using an illustration of a baby that has fallen into a well. He explains that people will have the urge to assist the baby immediately and will feel concern therefore, humans are good. However, he argues that society can taint one’s inner virtue. If individuals begin to trail after their greed for materialistic objects in the world, then people will succumb to evil. People should cultivate their morals and develop a sense of goodness throughout their
He insisted that a ruler must have full authority so that he may govern with power. He justified that one’s power should not be applied carelessly, but it must be used through strict laws that people will fear and obey. It is imperative for a ruler to never fail from punishing individuals who disobey the ruler’s commands. This is so that people will become less prone to disobeying the ruler in fear of the severe punishment.
On the contrast, Mencius believed that rulers should also not enforce such things like severe punishments, high taxes or fines in order to keep harmony within the state. He says, “To punish them after they have fallen foul of the law is to set a trap for the people. How can a benevolent man in authority allow himself to set a trap for the people?” (58). Mencius defends the value that the people should be held in high regards than the king himself; he upholds the idea that the duty of a ruler is to ensure the wellbeing of his subjects in order to gain their