Mencius philosophy originates from the inherent "benevolence" of human nature, and through which he establishes an ethical system based on man's natural sense of interconnectedness with others. Mencius perceives "benevolence" as the root of humans' ethical life, showing an emphasis on a return to the human ethical source. On the other hand, Western hermeneutics, P. Ricoeur, expressed his ethical thoughts through self-hermeneutics, which also emphasized the ethical source of the human being. Ricoeur pointed out that a natural ethical intention (to live well with and for others in a just system) existing in man's ontological structure and a kind of "solicitude" contained in this intention are exactly the ethical source of human beings. Through the comparison of the similarities and differences between Mencius and Ricoeur's ethical thought, this paper reveals the common insight of the two philosophers: human beings according to their own nature cannot be separated from others, and always coexist with others. Only on the basis of such an indelible ethical source inherent in human nature, one can establish a proper ethical relationship between human beings. This insight will shed light on a new perspective of ethical education, which could direct the focus of ethical education to conform to human nature and facilitate the awakening of student's ethical source ("benevolence" or "solicitude") with motivated affections. Ultimately, the purpose of ethical education to help the educated, know the good, and do good, would be achieved.