Mencius believes that the fundamental of learning is self-learning, that is, self-satisfaction.

In his epistemological system, he particularly emphasized the role of "thinking" and human subjective initiative. He believes that learning must go through hard work and self-satisfaction, and it is possible to achieve tacit understanding and profound accomplishments. In "Under Li Lou", he said: "A gentleman should learn Tao and be complacent. If you are complacent, you will feel at ease; Living in peace is the depth of capital (product); If you are senior, take the left and right to meet its source. Therefore, the gentleman wants to be complacent. " Meng Fuzi's famous saying is often regarded by many colleagues in the field of Chinese education as the standard for establishing students' self-study theory.