This volume serves both as an introduction to the thought of Mengzi (Mencius) and Wang Yangming, and as a comparison of their views. By examining issues held in common and central to both thinkers, Ivanhoe illustrates how the Confucian tradition was both continued and transformed by Wang Yangming, and shows the extent to which he was influenced by Buddhism. Topics explored are: the nature of morality; human nature; the nature and origin of wickedness; self cultivation; and sagehood. In addition to revised versions of each of these original chapters, Ivanhoe also includes a new chapter on Confucius' view of the Way, a new Conclusion, bibliography, and index. A revision of the Scholars Press edition of 1990.