Mencius (372–289 BCE) was an ancient Chinese philosopher and a prominent Confucian thinker, often considered the “second Sage” after Confucius. His teachings further developed and expanded upon Confucianism, emphasizing the inherent goodness of human nature and the importance of benevolent governance. His ideas are collected in the text known as the “Mencius,” where he discusses concepts such as righteousness, humaneness, and the role of the ruler.