性本善

xìng běn shàn◆proverb

human nature is inherently good

孟子认为人性本善，教育的作用在于引导这种善良的本性。

Mencius believed that human nature is inherently good, and education's role is to guide this innate goodness.

◆ What It Really Means

The belief that all humans possess an innate moral compass that can be nurtured through education and self-cultivation, rather than requiring harsh discipline to suppress evil tendencies.

¶ Literal Meaning

Human nature is originally good

Literal Breakdown

性human nature+本originally+善good

◇ Mental Image

A seed that is inherently good (善) but needs proper soil (education), sunlight (virtuous examples), and water (moral guidance) to grow into a strong, beautiful plant (mature moral character).

◈ When to Use

A teacher explaining why they prefer positive reinforcement over punishment in classroom management, citing the principle that students are fundamentally good but need guidance to develop their potential.

◉ Cultural Note

This concept is central to Mencius' argument that rulers should govern with virtue rather than coercion, as people naturally respond to goodness. It influenced Chinese educational philosophy for millennia, emphasizing moral cultivation over legalistic control.

philosophical

The philosophical belief that people are born with a fundamentally good nature, requiring cultivation to flourish.

古代儒家思想主张性本善，强调后天教育的重要性。

Ancient Confucian thought advocates that human nature is inherently good, emphasizing the importance of education.

他坚持性本善的理念，认为所有人都有向善的潜能。

He upholds the belief in human nature's inherent goodness, asserting that everyone has the potential to do good.

Originates from Mencius (孟子), a Confucian philosopher, contrasting with Xunzi's (荀子) 'human nature is evil' (性本恶).

Collocations

性本善的理念the idea of inherent goodness性本善与教育inherent goodness and education倡导性本善advocate for inherent goodness

Synonyms

人性本善天性善良

Antonyms

性本恶

Related Phrases

尽心知性phrase

understand one's nature through introspection

修身养性phrase

cultivate moral character and nourish one's nature

性相近也，习相远也proverb

human nature is similar at birth, but habits make them different

Pro Tip

Cultural Context

This proverb reflects Confucian optimism about human potential. It's often cited to justify education as a tool for moral development rather than punishment.

Gold Rule

Philosophical Contrast

Remember this proverb is part of a debate in Confucian philosophy. The opposing view (性本恶) argues humans are born selfish and need strict moral training.

Word Origin

From Confucian philosophy, first proposed by Mencius (孟子, 372–289 BCE) in contrast to Xunzi's (荀子) opposing view. The phrase combines 性 (xìng, nature) + 本 (běn, originally) + 善 (shàn, good).

Usage Notes

Primarily used in philosophical, ethical, or educational contexts. Rarely used in casual conversation. Often contrasted with the opposing view of 'human nature is evil' (性本恶).

Word Breakdown

性

nature/human nature

root

本

originally/inherently

adverb

善

good/benevolent

adjective

汉英词典

性本善