The relationship between Mencius and Confucius

The relationship between them includes the relationship between teachers and students and the inheritance and development of ideas.

1. Teacher-student relationship: Mencius is not a direct disciple of Confucius, but an indirect inheritor of Confucius' thoughts. Confucius' grandson is Zi Si, and Zi Si is Mencius' teacher. Therefore, according to the context of learning from the teacher, Mencius can be said to be a disciple of Confucius.

2. Ideological inheritance and development: Mencius inherited and carried forward the core idea of Confucianism founded by Confucius-benevolence and propriety. Mencius further deepened and expanded the concept of "benevolence" put forward by Confucius, emphasizing "benevolent government" and "theory of good nature" His theory is called "the way of Confucius and Mencius", which shows that they have a profound origin and continuity in thought.