Abstract

This chapter surveys the philosophical vicissitudes of the ancient Confucian classic, the Mencius, in Japanese history, from the earliest references in the eighth century through contemporary times. It highlights the contested, controversial reception of the Mencius which no doubt had virtually everything to do not with its position on human nature but rather its relatively unequivocal readiness to confront the problem of tyrannic government and deal with it in no uncertain terms, remonstrating with those tyrants willing to listen and then, if need be, punishing those pretending to be legitimate rulers. Accompanying its forthright activism, the Mencius also emphasized the role of the people in mediating heaven’s ultimate authority over those in power. Needless to say, the Mencius’s positions on these matters did not make it a popular text with those presuming to have authority and control at the highest levels, though it did have an enduring appeal to politically-minded people who understood fully the Confucian position that rulers should rule virtuously and compassionately as the father and mother of the people.