Who was Mencius in relation to Confucianism?

Mencius, also known by his given name Mengzi or Meng Ke, was an early follower and interpreter of Confucianism who played a crucial role in spreading its teachings during the Warring States period in China. His contributions to Confucian thought involved elaborating on and expanding the ideas of Confucius, particularly regarding human nature and ethics. Mencius emphasized the inherent goodness of human beings and the importance of proper governance, advocating that rulers must nurture moral values in their subjects and exemplify righteousness. His interpretations helped solidify Confucianism as a dominant philosophy in Chinese culture.

The other options are inaccurate as they pertain to different philosophical traditions or figures. Mencius did not play any role in Buddhism, which originated independently and has distinct beliefs from Confucianism. Similarly, he was not an advocate for Legalism, a different philosophical school that emphasized strict laws and governance, often in opposition to the more benevolent views of Confucianism. Finally, Mencius was not focused solely on Daoism, as he is primarily recognized for his contributions to Confucian philosophy. This makes the identification of Mencius as an early follower of Confucianism who spread its teachings the most accurate and