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.
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.
XUNZIThe noble person uses things; the lesser man is used by things.
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.
XUNZIHuman nature is such that people are born with a love of profit If they follow these inclinations, they will struggle and snatch from each other, and inclinations to defer or yield will die.
XUNZISacrifices are concerned with the feelings of devotion and longing.
XUNZIThe person attempting to travel two roads at once will get nowhere.
XUNZIThe rigid cause themselves to be broken; the pliable cause themselves to be bound.
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.
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.
XUNZIHuman nature refers to what is in people but which they cannot study or work at achieving.
XUNZIHuman nature is what Heaven supplies.
XUNZIThe coming of honor or disgrace must be a reflection of one’s inner power.
XUNZIIf knowledge and foresight are too penetrating and deep, unify them with ease and sincerity.
XUNZIIf the blood humor is too strong and robust, calm it with balance and harmony.
XUNZINow 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.
XUNZIMencius said that human nature is good. I disagree with that.
XUNZI