What is Ox Mountain?
Q: What is Ox Mountain?
A: Ox Mountain (Chinese: 牛山 Niú Shān) is a story by the Chinese philosopher Mencius.
Q: What was the state of Ox Mountain?
A: In Mencius' time, Ox Mountain was in very bad shape due to being attacked with axes and hatchets.
Q: Why does Mencius say Ox Mountain was desolate?
A: Cows and sheep repeatedly pastured on Ox Mountain, which prevented vegetation from growing and led to its denuded state.
Q: What does Mencius say about the true nature of Ox Mountain?
A: Mencius argues that the denuded state of Ox Mountain is not its true nature and that it could be restored to its former beauty.
Q: What is Mencius' argument about bad human natures?
A: Mencius argues that bad human natures are produced just like the bad condition of Ox Mountain was produced and that the answer is to protect and nurture humans from birth.
Q: What is Mencius' opinion on punishment?
A: Mencius believes that punishment does not do much good and does not cure the root of the problem.
Q: What is the main message that Mencius is conveying through the story of Ox Mountain?
A: Mencius is conveying a message that nature, including human nature, should be nurtured and protected in order to be restored to its best condition.
