If the blood humor is too strong and robust, calm it with balance and harmony.
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.
More Xunzi Quotes
-
-
The noble person uses things; the lesser man is used by things.
XUNZI -
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.
XUNZI -
The coming of honor or disgrace must be a reflection of one’s inner power.
XUNZI -
Human nature refers to what is in people but which they cannot study or work at achieving.
XUNZI -
If the gentleman has ability, he is magnanimous, generous, tolerant, and straightforward, through which he opens the way to instruct others.
XUNZI -
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.
XUNZI -
When you concentrate on agriculture and industry and are frugal in expenditures, Heaven cannot impoverish your state.
XUNZI -
Man’s nature is evil; goodness is the result of conscious activity.
XUNZI -
They are done merely for ornament. … the common people regard them as supernatural.
XUNZI -
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?
XUNZI -
Pride and excess bring disaster for man.
XUNZI -
The person attempting to travel two roads at once will get nowhere.
XUNZI -
Mencius said that human nature is good. I disagree with that.
XUNZI -
Music is a fantastic peacekeeper of the world, it is integral to harmony, and it is a required fundamental of human emotion.
XUNZI -
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.
XUNZI