Compassion Quote by Mencius
““The heart of compassion is the germ of benevolence; the heart of shame, of dutifulness; the heart of courtesy and modesty, of observance of the rites; the heart of right and wrong, of wisdom. Man has these four germs just as he has four limbs. For a man possessing these four germs to deny his own potentialities is for him to cripple himself.””
About This Quote
Source Book: Mencius by Mencius, 4th century BC
Human nature contains four core virtues; neglecting them limits personal growth and potential.
In simple terms: Four virtues shape moral character.
Key Takeaway
Cultivate all four virtues for fulfillment.
Themes
morality
self‑development
virtue
Mood
reflective
philosophical
Type
wisdom
ethical
When to use this quote
- education
- leadership
- personal growth
Key Concepts
human nature
ethical philosophy
Questions to Reflect On
- Which virtue do you need to strengthen?
- How can you balance all four in daily life?
A Different Perspective
Focusing on one virtue may ignore others.
