Is Mencius a sage? What are the criteria for a sage?

Explore the fascinating clash between King Xuan of Qi and the philosopher Mencius during the Warring States period. After King Xuan conquered the State of Yan, he faced international opposition and sought advice from Mencius. Mencius urged him to abandon his expansionist ambitions and embrace benevolent governance, while also helping Yan restore its rule. Despite this wise counsel, King Xuan ignored Mencius' advice, leading to rebellion and preventing Qi from fully annexing Yan.

We also dive into the philosophical debate of whether even sages like Mencius can make mistakes, exploring the perspectives of Chen Jia and the Duke of Zhou. Discover how the decisions of these ancient leaders shaped the course of history!