在春秋战国战争频发、礼崩乐坏的动荡时期，孟子应运而生，如同暗夜中的一盏灯，为后人提供了关于治理国家和个人品德修养的指引。他继承并发扬了孔子的思想，成为继孔子之后最杰出的儒家学者，享有“亚圣”的美誉。

　　In the tumultuous era of the Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods, marked by frequent warfare and the decay of rites and music, Mencius emerged as a guiding light in the darkness, providing guidance for future generations on state governance and personal virtue cultivation. He inherited and expanded upon Confucius's ideas, becoming the most distinguished Confucian scholar after Confucius, earning the esteemed title of "Second Sage".

　　逆旅人生二十载 四分之一的生命在路上

　　Twenty Years of Odyssey: A Quarter of Life on the Road

　　纵观孟子的一生，从一个没落的贵族，成长为一代大儒，可谓是逆旅人生。公元前372年，孟子出生于邹国（今山东邹城），是鲁国贵族孟孙氏的后裔。早年丧父的孟子，在母亲的悉心教导下成长，他拜孔子之孙孔伋的门人为师，学成之后，为了推行自己的政见，他开始周游列国，游说诸侯。历经二十余年，他游历了齐、宋、滕、梁等多个国家，还担任过齐宣王的客卿，最后归邹，他生命中四分之一的时间几乎都在路上。晚年，孟子传道授业解惑，与弟子们共同探讨治国方略，并将自己的思想著书立说，最终成就了《孟子》的辉煌篇章。

　　Looking back on Mencius's life, it was an odyssey from a fallen noble to a great Confucian master. In 372 BC, Mencius was born in the State of Zou (present-day Zoucheng, Shandong Province), a descendant of the noble family of Mengsun from the State of Lu. Lost his father at a young age, Mencius was raised under the careful guidance of his mother. He studied under the disciples of Confucius's grandson, Kong Ji, and after completing his studies, he began to travel among the various states to promote his political views and establish an ideal society. Over two decades, he visited various states such as Qi, Song, Teng, and Liang, even serving as a guest minister to King Xuan of Qi. Eventually, he returned to Zou, having spent a quarter of his life travelling. In his later years, Mencius taught and discussed statecraft strategies with his disciples, and compiled his thoughts into the book "Mencius", creating a brilliant chapter in history.

　　怀揣“平治天下”宏愿 丰富儒家“仁”学

　　Holding the Grand Ambition of "Governing the World in Peace" and Enriching Confucian "Benevolence" Studies

　　孟子不仅是一位货真价实的“行动派”，也是一位毫无争议的思想者。怀揣“平治天下”的宏愿，孟子尽管在政治上未能如愿施展抱负，但在思想、实践上，他坚定地沿袭并发展了孔子的学说，将儒学提升到了一个新的高度。在“性善论”的理论基础上，孟子赓续孔子的“仁”学，提出了独具特色的仁政思想，包括“讲仁爱”“重民本”“以仁政得民心”等重要理念，构成了“民贵君轻”“保民而王”的民本思想体系。孟子还强调“孝悌忠义”等伦理道德的重要性，并提倡“宽刑省罚”，推崇培养“浩然之气”，强调德行与地位相匹配。这些思想逐渐融入中华民族的文化基因，成为支撑民族精神发展的重要力量。

　　Mencius was not only a true "man of action" but also an undisputed thinker. With the grand ambition of "governing the world in peace", although he did not have the opportunity to fully realize his political aspirations, he steadfastly continued and developed Confucius's teachings in thought and practice, elevating Confucianism to new heights. Building on the foundation of "the theory of innate goodness", Mencius carried forward Confucius's concept of "Ren(benevolence)", proposing unique ideas of benevolent governance, including "promoting benevolence and love", "focusing on the people as the foundation" and "winning the people's hearts through benevolent politics". These important concepts formed a people-oriented ideological system of "the people are more important than the ruler" and "ruling by protecting the people". Mencius also emphasized the importance of ethical morals such as "filial piety, brotherly respect, loyalty and righteousness", advocated for "light punishments and fewer penalties" and promoted the cultivation of "noble spirit", stressing that one's moral character should match their social status. These ideas have gradually become part of the cultural genes of the Chinese nation, becoming an important force supporting the development of the national spirit.

　　在当时儒学日趋式微的形势下，孟子肩负起重振儒学的重担，使其微弱火种终成燎原之势。在两千多年的历史长河中，孟子的思想光辉不减，始终指引着人们向善求真，激励着后代不断探索与践行。

　　In the face of the declining influence of Confucianism at the time, Mencius shouldered the responsibility of reviving it, turning the faint embers of Confucianism into a raging fire. Throughout more than two thousand years, the brilliance of Mencius's thoughts has not diminished, always guiding people to seek goodness and truth, and inspiring future generations to continuously explore and practice.

　　（部分素材来源：中央广播电视总台科教频道、光明日报、“国家人文历史”公众号）

　　无限工作出品

　　视频：周溪琳

　　文案：武玮佳 刘明婕（实习编辑)

　　翻译、配音：武玮佳