性善
Human Nature Is Good
孟子提出的一种人性论观点。孟子所言人性，指人天生所具有的人之所以为人的本质属性，亦即是人区别于禽兽的道德本性。这个意义上的人性， 构成了仁、义、礼、智等德行的内在根基或依据。但是，人性中具备的只是德行的端始，并不等于德行的实现或完成。人们需要不断扩充人性中的善端，才能确立起良好的德行。
This view on human nature was first proposed by Mencius. As Mencius saw it, human nature is the inherent moral character which a human being naturally possesses and which distinguishes him from an animal. In this sense, human nature underpins such virtues as benevolence, righteousness, sound social norms, and good judgment. However, good human nature does not automatically constitute virtuous conduct. People need to continuously cultivate good human nature in order to develop virtuous conduct.
引例:孟子道性善，言必称尧、舜。 （《孟子·滕文公上》） （孟子讲述性善之说，言谈必称述尧、舜的事迹。）
When Mencius spoke about human nature being good, he always referred to the exploits of Emperor Yao and Emperor Shun. (Mencius)#儒学# #孟子# #翻译# #英语#
