The Differences in Views About Human Nature - Mencius and Xunzi

During World War I, Hitler had joined the army and his experience especially his injury was believed to be one of the main reasons for him being so eager to improve his country quickly. His emotions such as pain and hatred towards the army stimulated his hidden ambition. In Germany, Hitler used the power of enabling law to get rid of most things he didn?t want, for example he used his secret polices to arrest the opposition. On the other hand, under the influence of Marxism Stalin emphasized the idea of communism, where all citizens worked for the country is different from the concept of democracy where individuals have priority. In communism, a dictator leader is often needed in order to put the policies into practice, because other political parties cause the communism regime to fall apart, especially in undeveloped countries. The public needed to believe that communism was absolute and the only way to good life in order to make the system work smoothly. The similarities here were that they rejected all opposition political parties, but they used different concepts-Mussolini and Hitler did not introduce the communism idea.

Whereas Joseph Stalin and Adolf Hitler are different as Joseph Stalin was the Communist leader of the Soviet Union, while Adolf Hitler was the Nazi leader of Germany; they both were more concerned with consolidating and expanding their own power, rather than pleasing the people.

Good and bad, two opposite terms that are used by people. ‘Good’ is known as morally excellent and ‘bad’ is known as being wicked or having an evil character. The ideas of good and bad are thought to be connected to human nature. Human nature is the characteristics, feelings, and behaviours of humankind that is shared by all humans. Because good and bad are two opposite terms and it is in human nature this has led to attempts to explain how both good and bad behaviours affect peoples’ daily life. The debate of on explanations of human’s good and bad behaviour still is ongoing nowadays. Two Chinese philosophers, Mencius (2016) and Hsun Tzu (1963) have relevant approaches to analysing this behaviour. Hsun Tzu focused on human

The policies of Adolf Hitler and Benito Mussolini were similar with reference with the foreign policies and their economic policy however there were also differences. The similarities of the foreign policy will include their foundation of the policy was similar; both wanted to achieve great power status. However their differences were that Hitler was more cunning in achieving his goals then Mussolini was.

The biggest difference in the two's method on becoming the central figure in their countries government was Hitler's was very short, and acted more on instinct to win over the respect of his country in a little over a year. While Stalin's was more of a very strategic chess match, so he had to build his positions slowly and had to remove many contenders that would enable him in his goal. Then very carefully set up his last opposition for his crucial, checkmate.

The rulings of these two leaders had many similarities yet still had some differences. Their beliefs in running the country came to be very alike. Hitler and Mussolini both had negation of parliamentary and democratic political order, the use of violence and of physical strength, and the “revolutionary project” of a new society. Hitler and Mussolini feared any kind of strong and permanent power other than their own. This system of government where many institutions clashed with one another was extremely chaotic, and only the one leader could keep it working.

The rulings of these two leaders had many similarities yet still had some differences. Their beliefs in running the country came to be very alike. Hitler and Mussolini both had negation of parliamentary and democratic political order, the use of violence and of physical strength, and the "revolutionary project" of a new society. Hitler and Mussolini feared any kind of strong and permanent power other than their own. This system of government where many institutions clashed with one another was extremely chaotic, and only the one leader could keep it working.

Let us take a look into the past as we glance at the similarities and differences between Caesar and Hitler. Ambition, abuse of power, and honor are the three elements that separate two ambitious men with great power. These two great leaders show the same characteristics, but showed them in a different way. Caesar was a man of action, and Hitler was a man of his words.

Furthermore, both leaders entered their reign of power very differently joseph Stalin’s ideas for his country where already widely known prior to his leadership. For that reason, becoming leader of the Soviet Union was not as difficult for joseph Stalin. Stalin gained his power within a month. Adolf Hitler on the other hand had way more difficulties gaining power then joseph Stalin did. Adolf’s fight for power and leader ship lasted almost 20 years. In addition to Adolf’s long fight for power, Adolf started from zero with his political ideas, half of the population did not agree with his views and ideas because they were in humane. In some ways their differences out way there, similarities.

Mencius, though, had numerous flaws in his philosophy, because his arguments were based on contradictions and vacuity. The political system based on the lessening of the repercussions of laws and lessening taxes by a benevolent rule lead by virtue was the pivotal aspect of his argument that a good natured ruler would be rewarded with obedient subjects. The strict enforcement of armies to serve in battle, as in the methodology of Hsun Tzu, would serve as a catalyst for action, as in Mencius's ideology the inherent selfishness of people would overtake their desire to fight. The economic system conceptualized by

One of the oldest philosophies in Chinese history is Confucianism. At the time of the warring states, Confucius wandered throughout China seeking a ruler who accepted the Confucian way. Since then, his ideas grew and are still relevant today. Throughout time other philosophers, Mengzi and Xunzi, have interpreted Confucius’ teachings and have long debated whether human nature is good or bad. I argue that human nature is not, as Mengzi believes, inherently good, instead, completely self-interested.

     Confucius’s counsel and guidance recorded in The Analects instilled wisdom when they were first recorded and continue to provide a thought provoking analysis of life and the checkpoints that guide it. The Master’s commentary on restraint, diligence, decency, and citizenship are well intended and relevant. Politics and the role of government also come under scrutiny as Confucius offers his insights in bettering the organization of power. His proverb-like admonitions use clear examples of everyday life allowing them to be understood and easily digested. Confucius’s own eagerness and willingness to share goodness he experienced makes it easier to apply and practice in one’s own life.

How is Mencius’ concerns of human nature and the civilization he lived in relevant to our class and money? This was a question I was struggling to find an answer too at first, and then further on reading I understood that Mencius believed that money is an outside force that can corrupt one’s natural ability to be good. He demonstrates that people are ultimately good by showing examples of people having the desire to help others when in distressful situations. Mencius displayed that society can corrupt one’s inner good with other outside forces such as money. Money can make people show their worse side, when they are more worried about making it than acting humanely (ren) and righteousness (jen), and their character will suffer for this. It

Another difference between Tom Sawyer and Hitler is their intentions. Tom Sawyer was a jokester, and tried to act tough and rebellious. But, he always had good intentions, and never really intended to hurt anybody. Unlike Tom Sawyer, Hitler always had bad intentions. Hitler didn't mind watching people die, because he allowed it. Hitler’s childhood is where he showed his rebellion against everyone. Tom Sawyer never intended to hurt people, and felt bad if he did.

After studying the Confucius theory of human nature, my outlook and view on many things have either been changed or at least question. I am left to wonder how being born into this belief system may impact an individual views of themselves, and the world around them. Overall Confucianism is a very practical belief system. Confucius seemed very optimistic about humans, in that the species could be improved if they trusted his knowledge. He offered explanations for the problems in the world, all of the unjust burdens and the suffering. Confucius answered these questions by diagnosing five flaws