Themes
The Role of the Sage in Restoring Social Order
The figure of the sage occupies a crucial and recurring role in Mencius. It has no direct reference point in the contemporary Western world. As such, the sage is perhaps best understood at first through a contrast with its closest living relative: the academic philosopher. These figures, for the most part, exist in universities. Their purpose is primarily to research into, and write about, theoretical issues in philosophy, and their business is strictly separated from that of government or the goal of provoking moral or spiritual transformation. What Mencius says of the “clever” could well be directed against them. That is, “What one dislikes in the clever is that their arguments are continued” (93). In other words, they argue for the sake of arguing and about the minutia of issues that have no practical significance.
In contrast, the role of the sage, at least in Mencius, is an overtly practical and political one. He travels from court to court, visiting kings and princes, offering advice on how to run and improve the state and how to behave in a virtuous manner. The sage’s ultimate goal is the ambitious one of restoring the harmonious moral order of Plus, gain access to 8,650+ more expert-written Study Guides. Including features:
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