性本善的理念

xìng běn shàn de lǐniàn
innate goodness philosophy

性本善的理念是儒家思想的核心之一。

The philosophy of innate goodness is one of the core ideas of Confucianism.


formal

The philosophical belief that human nature is inherently good, a concept central to Confucian thought.

孟子认为人性本善,这是儒家学说的基础。

Mencius believed in the innate goodness of human nature, which forms the foundation of Confucian doctrine.

This phrase combines three key terms: 性 (xìng, nature), 本 (běn, root/original), and 善 (shàn, good).

Collocations

儒家性本善的理念Confucian philosophy of innate goodness性本善的教育观educational view based on innate goodness

Antonyms

Related Phrases

性恶论phrase
theory that human nature is inherently evil
人之初,性本善proverb
At birth, human nature is inherently good (first line of the classic Three Character Classic)

Pro Tip

Mnemonic for remembering

Think of 性本善 as 'Xìng-Běn-Shàn' where 性 (xìng) = nature, 本 (běn) = root, 善 (shàn) = good. The phrase literally means 'the root nature is good'.

Gold Rule

Usage context

This phrase is almost exclusively used in philosophical, religious, or academic contexts. Do not use it to describe personal beliefs about human nature in casual conversation.

Word Origin

The phrase combines three classical Chinese terms: 性 (xìng, 'nature'), 本 (běn, 'root/original'), and 善 (shàn, 'good'). It originates from Mencius' interpretation of human nature in Confucian philosophy (4th century BCE).

Usage Notes

This phrase is typically used in philosophical, educational, or ethical discussions about human nature. It is not used in casual conversation.

Word Breakdown

nature/human nature
root
+
root/original
root
+
good
root
+
possessive particle (of)
suffix
+
理念
philosophy/concept
root
汉英词典