Men of all social stations live together: they are equal in their desires, yet vary in their methods; they are equal in their passions, yet different in their intelligence; that is their nature-given vitality.
XUNZIThe nature of man is evil; what is good in him is artificial.
More Xunzi Quotes
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Those whose character is mean and vicious will rouse others to animosity against them.
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If knowledge and foresight are too penetrating and deep, unify them with ease and sincerity.
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If what the heart approves conforms to proper patterns, then even if one’s desires are many, what harm would they be to good order?
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One must remember equality, yet also be aware of difference, for if the people are allowed to act as it pleases them without coming up against displeasure, if one gives rein to its desires without setting [any] limit, it becomes confused and can no longer take delight in anything.
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If there is no dull and determined effort, there will be no brilliant achievement.
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Human nature is evil, and goodness is caused by intentional activity.
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In antiquity the sage kings recognized that men’s nature is bad and that their tendencies were not being corrected and their lawlessness controlled.
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The rigid cause themselves to be broken; the pliable cause themselves to be bound.
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If the impulse to daring and bravery is too fierce and violent, stay it with guidance and instruction.
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Music is a fantastic peacekeeper of the world, it is integral to harmony, and it is a required fundamental of human emotion.
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Pride and excess bring disaster for man.
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If the blood humor is too strong and robust, calm it with balance and harmony.
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Thus, anybody who follows this nature and gives way its states will be led into quarrels and conflicts, and go against the conventions and rules of society, and will end up a criminal.
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When you concentrate on agriculture and industry and are frugal in expenditures, Heaven cannot impoverish your state.
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Now it is human nature to want to eat to ones fill when hungry, to want to warm up when cold, to want to rest when tired. These all are a part of people’s emotional nature.
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If you wish to see the thousand years, look at today; if you wish to understand the millionfold, then look at the one or the two.
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I once tried thinking for an entire day, but I found it less valuable than one moment of study.
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There are successful scholars, public-spirited scholars, upright scholars, cautious scholars, and those who are merely petty men.
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A person is born with feelings of envy and hate. If he gives way to them, they will lead him to violence and crime, and any sense of loyalty and good faith will be abandoned.
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They are done merely for ornament. … the common people regard them as supernatural.
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The noble person uses things; the lesser man is used by things.
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The petty man is eager to make boasts, yet desires that others should believe in him. He enthusiastically engages in deception, yet wants others to have affection for him. He conducts himself like an animal, yet wants others to think well of him.
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Man’s nature is evil; goodness is the result of conscious activity.
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The drum is surely the lord of music, is it not?
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If the gentleman has ability, he is magnanimous, generous, tolerant, and straightforward, through which he opens the way to instruct others.
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Mencius said that human nature is good. I disagree with that.
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