The nature of man is evil; what is good in him is artificial.
XUNZIThe nature of man is evil; what is good in him is artificial.
More Xunzi Quotes
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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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When you concentrate on agriculture and industry and are frugal in expenditures, Heaven cannot impoverish your state.
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In antiquity the sage kings recognized that men’s nature is bad and that their tendencies were not being corrected and their lawlessness controlled.
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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.
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If the quickness of the mind and the fluency of the tongue are too punctilious and sharp, moderate them in your activity and rest.
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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.
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Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn.
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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.
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The coming of honor or disgrace must be a reflection of one’s inner power.
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The noble person uses things; the lesser man is used by things.
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If there is no dull and determined effort, there will be no brilliant achievement.
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Human nature is evil, and goodness is caused by intentional activity.
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Mencius said that human nature is good. I disagree with that.
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Thus, that one can find no place to walk through the breadth of the earth is not because the earth is not tranquil but because the danger to every step of the traveler lies generally with words.
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Misery is evil; quarreling, a misfortune. There is only one possibility of avoiding both: a clear division of society. [Otherwise] the strong tyrannize the weak, the intelligent frighten the stupid, the inferior resist the superior, and the young mock the old.
XUNZI