Mencius Sprout/Seed (tuan) Theory See Hansen, p. 74; http://www.arches.uga.edu/~kirkland/rk/pdf/guides/MENCIUS.pdf and The Mencius 2A:6 and 6A:6
Humans are born with four sprouts or seeds ["concern for others", sense of shame, "sense of humility," and "sense of right and wrong"(2A:6)] that will develop into four virtues (jen, righteousness, propriety, and wisdom) unless the organic process of development does not proceed. Mencius compares this to being born with four limbs. Human nature is originally good. Self-cultivation is essential. There is a relationship between the seed theory and Mencius’ ideas about capacity and non-effort.
| "concern for others" | if cultivated leads to | Humaneness - jen |
| "sense of shame" | if cultivated leads to | Righteousness- i or yi |
| "sense of humility" | if cultivated leads to | Propriety - li |
| "sense of right and wrong" | if cultivated leads to | Wisdom - chih or zhih |