There is a concept in ancient Chinese philosophy that has a strong resonance with contemporary theories of economics and society. Mencius, one of the most important Confucian philosophers, was the first to express this idea. Mencius thought that people needed to feel secure about their belongings in order to be able to plan their lives effectively over an extended period of time.

Mencius lived during the turbulent Warring States period, which was characterized by ongoing conflict and unstable political conditions. He noticed that people needed a sense of stability in spite of this chaos so they could devote time and energy to their future plans. People are more likely to prioritize short-term needs over long-term objectives when they lack this sense of security.

Consider a gardener who sows seeds out of concern that they might be taken or destroyed before the crops have a chance to develop. Given that there is no assurance of future benefits, this fear would probably deter the gardener from investing too much energy in caring for those plants. Likewise, according to Mencius, people must believe that their efforts and investments will eventually pay off in measurable ways.

This idea affects both individual life planning and the stability of society as a whole. People are more inclined to take part in endeavors like education, entrepreneurship, and community development that benefit society as a whole when they are confident that their property is protected. On the other hand, people may be less willing to take chances that could result in both individual and societal advancement if they feel intimidated or uneasy about losing what they have.

In today's world, Mencius' ideas still have an impact on debates about individual rights, social stability, and economic policy. His understanding of the link between long-term planning and property security emphasizes how crucial it is to establish settings in which people can invest in their future without worrying about losing the things they have worked so hard to acquire.