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Mencius, named after the Confucian philosopher Mengzi, is a branch of thought deeply rooted in Confucian ethics and moral philosophy. It delves into human nature, investigating its inherent goodness and potential for moral development. In this context, it explores themes such as benevolence (ren), righteousness (yi), ritual propriety (li), wisdom (zhi), and sincerity (xin) – the Five Constant Virtues in Confucianism. As a subcategory under Philosophy and connected to Taoism and Religions, Mencius shares concepts with both, such as the belief in an inherent moral order of the universe while focusing on individual moral development and ethical behavior. This branch of thought also incorporates aspects of Chinese spirituality and cosmology, often viewed through a philosophical lens, which further distinguishes it within the broader categories.