Since the nature of people is bad, to become corrected they must be taught by teachers and to be orderly they must acquire ritual and moral principles.
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.
More Xunzi Quotes
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You look upon the seasons with expectation and await them: wy not seize the seasonal opportunities and exploit them?
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The rigid cause themselves to be broken; the pliable cause themselves to be bound.
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Man’s nature is evil; goodness is the result of conscious activity.
XUNZI -
Not 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.
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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 knowledge and foresight are too penetrating and deep, unify them with ease and sincerity.
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Sacrifices are concerned with the feelings of devotion and longing.
XUNZI -
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.
XUNZI -
If there is no dull and determined effort, there will be no brilliant achievement.
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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.
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Mencius said that human nature is good. I disagree with that.
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The coming of honor or disgrace must be a reflection of one’s inner power.
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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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Human nature refers to what is in people but which they cannot study or work at achieving.
XUNZI