​MENCIUS (men′shi-us). Latinized from MENGTSE (meng-tse′), a Chinese philosopher; born in Tsow-hien, in 372 B. C. He was a follower of Confucius, whose influence he revived. Twenty-nine years he spent in traveling about China preaching, but with small success; his last 15 years were passed with his disciples in retirement. His sayings are contained in the last of the Chinese "Four Books." He died about 289 B. C.