Abstract:

Starting from his theoretical presupposition of goodness of human nature, Mencius takes the way of completing a man, that is, how to be a a man or how to cultivate an ideal personality, as his theoretical mission, putting forth some specific patterns of ideal personality and their ways of realization. Mencius ' doctrine of human nature, especially his thought of personality pattern, has considerable theoretical deviations and negative roles, but also has a positive effect on the development of national spirit. Mencius' stress on moral significance of human dignity is of importance and far-reaching enlightenment to contemporary human beings who strive to be out of their cultural predicament and reestablish their ideals of nature and virtue.

Key words: Mencius, doctrine of human nature, personality pattern, modern significance