During which period did Mencius spread his teachings?

Mencius, also known as Mengzi, was a Confucian philosopher who lived during the Period of the Warring States, which was characterized by fragmentation and political turmoil in ancient China. This period lasted from roughly 475 to 221 BCE. Mencius is renowned for promoting and expanding upon the ideas of Confucius, emphasizing the innate goodness of human nature and the importance of benevolent governance.

His teachings quickly gained traction in the intellectual community and were influential in shaping Confucian thought afterward. The timing of his life and work directly relates to the conditions of the Warring States, where ideas about ethics, governance, and human nature were critically examined amidst the chaos of competing states. Understanding Mencius's influence during this time provides insight into the evolution of Chinese philosophy and the foundations of Confucianism that later played significant roles in the subsequent dynasties.