A great man is he who has not lost the heart of a child. — Mencius · Smartyfair

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A great man is he who has not lost the heart of a child. — Mencius · Smartyfair

A great man is he who has not lost the heart of a child.

Mencius372–289 BC · philosopher · Ancient ChinaMencius was an ancient Chinese philosopher who became the most important teacher of Confucianism after Confucius himself.1 quote

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In plain words

The greatest grown-ups still have a kid's heart inside.

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Where these words come from

How sure this is: 85% sureThese words were traced back to where they first appeared. That source is listed below.
What turned up: The Mencius, Book 4, Part 2, v.12; multiple named translators including Lin Yutang and D.C. Lau.
Work: The Mencius, Book 4, Part 2, v. 12
Sources checked: en.wikiquote.orgChecked using claude-sonnet-5, 20 August 2026Sourced section, book/verse citation + translator

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