Human nature is evil, and goodness is caused by intentional activity.
XUNZIHuman nature is evil, and goodness is caused by intentional activity.
XUNZII once tried standing up on my toes to see far out in the distance, but I found that I could see much farther by climbing to a high place.
XUNZIThe rigid cause themselves to be broken; the pliable cause themselves to be bound.
XUNZINot having heard something is not as good as having heard it; having heard it is not as good as having seen it; having seen it is not as good as knowing it; knowing it is not as good as putting it into practice.
XUNZIIf the impulse to daring and bravery is too fierce and violent, stay it with guidance and instruction.
XUNZIMen 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 person attempting to travel two roads at once will get nowhere.
XUNZIThe nature of man is evil; what is good in him is artificial.
XUNZIIf the blood humor is too strong and robust, calm it with balance and harmony.
XUNZII once tried thinking for an entire day, but I found it less valuable than one moment of study.
XUNZIIn antiquity the sage kings recognized that men’s nature is bad and that their tendencies were not being corrected and their lawlessness controlled.
XUNZIOne 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.
XUNZIHuman nature refers to what is in people but which they cannot study or work at achieving.
XUNZIThose whose character is mean and vicious will rouse others to animosity against them.
XUNZISacrifices are concerned with the feelings of devotion and longing.
XUNZIIf 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.
XUNZI