ABSTRACT
This chapter examines the development of Confucianism by Mengzi, Xunzi, and Dong Zhongshu, the three most important Confucians of the early period. Confucius advocated a humanistic approach that emphasized the importance of moral development based on ancient ideals. Mengzi agreed with Confucius that ren is basic and that it is the source and foundation of all goodness and virtue. And he also agreed with Confucius that li, or rules for proper behavior, was required for development and manifestation of ren. Xunzi was also a devoted follower of Confucius, but his views on crucial issues are often diametrically opposed to those of Mengzi. Xunzi's view that human nature is basically bad is diametrically opposed to Mengzi's view that human nature is inherently good. To Dong Zhongshu, probably the leading Confucian of his time, as well as to other leading Confucians, it seemed that Confucianism was now broad and robust enough to meet all of the important needs of society and government.
