Human nature is what Heaven supplies.
XUNZISince 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.
More Xunzi Quotes
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Pride and excess bring disaster for man.
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If knowledge and foresight are too penetrating and deep, unify them with ease and sincerity.
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Whether the gentleman is capable or not, he is loved all the same; conversely the petty man is loathed all the same.
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If the blood humor is too strong and robust, calm it with balance and harmony.
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The coming of honor or disgrace must be a reflection of one’s inner power.
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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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The rigid cause themselves to be broken; the pliable cause themselves to be bound.
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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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The drum is surely the lord of music, is it not?
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Those whose character is mean and vicious will rouse others to animosity against them.
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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 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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You look upon the seasons with expectation and await them: wy not seize the seasonal opportunities and exploit them?
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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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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.
XUNZI






