Full Idea
Mengzi does not claim that humans are innately good; he claims that human nature is innately good. …He says that 'the heart of compassion' (manifested when anyone sees a child about to fall into a well) is the 'sprout of benevolence'.
Gist of Idea
Human nature is naturally compassionate and good (as a 'sprout'), but people may not be good
Source
report of Mengzi (Mencius) (The Mengzi (Mencius) [c.332 BCE]) by Bryan van Norden - Intro to Classical Chinese Philosophy 6.II
Book Reference
Norden,Bryan van: 'Intro to Classical Chinese Philosophy' [Hackett 2011], p.89
A Reaction
There is a nice distinction here between the 'sprout' of human nature and the finished product. Seeds have the potential to produce tall healthy plants, but circumstances can warp them.