Is human nature inherently good? This question posed by the ancient philosopher Mencius centuries ago resonates now more than ever in our age of artificial intelligence.
Mencius, known as Mengzi in China, was a devoted follower of Confucius. Born in the 4th century BC during the tumultuous Warring States Period, he sought to guide a fractured world back to harmony. He championed the idea that humans are born with an innate goodness—a set of moral “sprouts” like compassion and righteousness—that, when nurtured, lead to virtuous living.
Traveling from kingdom to kingdom, Mencius advised rulers that true authority comes not from force but from moral leadership. “The people are to be esteemed above the ruler,” he argued, emphasizing that a just and humane leader wins the hearts of the people, ensuring a stable and prosperous reign.
But his ideals often fell on deaf ears. Warlords were more interested in expanding territories than cultivating virtue. Frustrated yet undeterred, Mencius recorded his teachings, passing down his wisdom through the ages.
Fast forward to today, and Mencius’ teachings find new relevance. As we develop AI systems, we’re faced with a modern dilemma: Can we code machines to embody human virtues? If AI learns from data steeped in our biases, will it reflect our better angels or our worst impulses?
Should we, like Mencius, believe in the fundamental goodness of human nature and strive to instill these virtues in AI? Or should we be cautious, recognizing that without guidance, both humans and machines might stray from the path of righteousness?
These questions don’t have easy answers. However, revisiting Mencius’ philosophy might offer insights. If we aim to create AI that benefits humanity, perhaps we should start by embracing and teaching our own inherent goodness.
