Human 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.
XUNZIThe nature of man is evil; what is good in him is artificial.
More Xunzi Quotes
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The rigid cause themselves to be broken; the pliable cause themselves to be bound.
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Mencius said that human nature is good. I disagree with that.
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They are done merely for ornament. … the common people regard them as supernatural.
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If the blood humor is too strong and robust, calm it with balance and harmony.
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If knowledge and foresight are too penetrating and deep, unify them with ease and sincerity.
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I once tried thinking for an entire day, but I found it less valuable than one moment of study.
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Those whose character is mean and vicious will rouse others to animosity against them.
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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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Human nature is evil, and goodness is caused by intentional activity.
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Sacrifice is a state of mind in which our thoughts turn with longing [toward Heaven, the Ancestors], It is the supreme expression of loyalty, love, and respect.
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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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When you concentrate on agriculture and industry and are frugal in expenditures, Heaven cannot impoverish your state.
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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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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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I 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.
XUNZI