MENCIUS' CONTRIBUTION TO POSITIVE PSYCHOLOGY
The reason why we have picked Mencius out as a major figure in the “history of happiness” is not because he has written volumes of works on the subject. Prior to the Middle Ages, only Zhuangzi, the successor of the legendary Daoist Laozi, and Aristotle devoted a whole chapter or more to the subject. The reason he is significant is that he offers a practical vision of the path to self realization based on an unprecedented analysis of human nature and psychology, and especially the feeling of happiness or joy that catalyzes the whole process.
All things are already complete in us. There is no greater delight than on self-examination to be conscious of sincerity.
. | All things are already complete in us. There is no greater delight than on self-examination to be conscious of sincerity.
孟子 Mencius
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SELF REALIZATION AND THE ROLE OF SATISFACTION
A number of intriguing passages in the Mencius point to the critical role of satisfaction and joy on the path to self-realization. Let’s take a look at these passages and how they are linked:
Asked to explain what it is that he excels in, Mencius answers that he “comprehends teachings” and that he is good at nourishing his “flood-like qi (vital energy).” Mencius admits that this “qi” is very hard to describe:
This qi is extremely big and extremely powerful. Nourish it with rectitude and protect it from harm, and it will fill Heaven and earth. This qi accompanies righteousness and morality, and without them it shrivels up. It grows through the accumulation of righteousness and cannot be obtained by contrived acts of righteousness. If one’s actions are not satisfying to one’s mind then it shrivels up.
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