"Evil exists to glorify the good. Evil is negative good. It is a relative term. Evil can be transmuted into good. What is evil to one at one time, becomes good at another time to somebody else"

Mencius presents a nuanced perspective on the nature of evil and its relationship to good. He proposes that evil is not an absolute, standalone force but rather a concept that exists in relation to good. Evil, in his view, functions as a contrast that elevates and clarifies the presence and value of good; without one, the other loses definition and meaning. This interplay suggests that the existence of evil serves a purpose: by encountering and overcoming evil, individuals and societies can recognize, strive for, and appreciate goodness to a greater degree.

By defining evil as “negative good,” Mencius likens it to the shadow that defines the shape of light. Just as darkness and light are interdependent, evil and good are not rigidly fixed but are points on a spectrum, each understood in terms of the other. The relativity embedded in his argument implies that good and evil are contingent on context, perspective, and time period. What is condemned as evil by one person or culture at a certain time could be seen as necessary or even virtuous by another under different circumstances. This is a call for humility in moral judgment, a reminder that ethical assessments are not universally constant.

One of the most transformative aspects of his reflection is the claim that “evil can be transmuted into good.” This points to the possibility of redemption and growth. Through human action, understanding, or the passage of time, harmful events or tendencies may give rise to beneficial outcomes. Suffering may cultivate empathy or resilience, and past wrongs can motivate progress or reconciliation.

Ultimately, Mencius’s view moves away from a dualistic, black-and-white sentimentality. Instead, he embraces a dynamic ethical landscape where evil is not simply to be abhorred or avoided but understood as part of a greater process. This encourages a more compassionate and holistic view of human experience, in which even adversity serves a role in the unfolding of virtue.