Final answer:
Mencius studied with Confucius and became his most prominent disciple, expanding and developing Confucius's teachings. Mencius's ideas and interpretations of Confucius's teachings continue to be studied and revered to this day.
Step-by-step explanation:
Mencius studied with Confucius and became his most prominent disciple. Mencius expanded and developed Confucius's teachings, spreading the ideas of Confucianism more widely and securing the philosophical foundations of Confucius's legacy. One of the doctrines for which he is best known is the idea that human beings are innately benevolent and have tendencies toward the five constant virtues. This view led Mencius to argue, for instance, that human beings have a natural disposition toward concern for a child in need or an obviously suffering human being or animal.
Mencius's teachings were instrumental in promoting the importance of personal conduct and moral behavior in society. His emphasis on the innate goodness of human beings greatly influenced Confucian thought and helped to further establish Confucianism as a major philosophical and ethical system in China. Mencius's ideas and interpretations of Confucius's teachings continue to be studied and revered to this day, shaping the understanding and practice of Confucianism both in China and beyond.