Mencius argued that human nature is good: anyone who sees a child about to fall into a well feels alarm and compassion. This feeling is the sprout of humaneness, as shame is of righteousness, deference of propriety and the sense of right and wrong of wisdom. Cultivation makes the sprouts grow.
Four sprouts
Mencius’s teaching that every heart contains the beginnings of humaneness, righteousness, propriety and wisdom.
Also: four beginnings