
This chapter’s writing, an excerpt from the classic Chinese text the Three-Character Classic, presents the view that human nature is intrinsically good and changes only under the influence of the environment.

Figure 1.1 孟母三迁
Mencius’ Mother Moved Three Times to Avoid Bad Influence on Her Son from the Neighborhoods

Figure 1.2 孟母断杼
Mencius’ Mother Broke Her Weaving Machine Intentionally to Teach Her Son a Lesson on Persistence

Figure 1.3 窦燕山有五子
Dou Yanshan, a Scholar-Official in the Tenth Century, Had Great Methods in Parenting.
His Five Sons Were All High Achievers

Figure 1.4 玉不琢不成器
A Jade Without Chiseling Will Not Become a Useful Object