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.
XUNZIIf 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.
More Xunzi Quotes
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Human nature is evil, and goodness is caused by intentional activity.
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Man’s nature is evil; goodness is the result of conscious activity.
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The noble person uses things; the lesser man is used by things.
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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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Therefore, a person should first be changed by a teacher’s instructions, and guided by principles of ritual. Only then can he observe the rules of courtesy and humility, obey the conventions and rules of society, and achieve order.
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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.
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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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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 the gentleman has ability, he is magnanimous, generous, tolerant, and straightforward, through which he opens the way to instruct others.
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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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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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Sacrifices are concerned with the feelings of devotion and longing.
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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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Those whose character is mean and vicious will rouse others to animosity against them.
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If the blood humor is too strong and robust, calm it with balance and harmony.
XUNZI