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.
XUNZIWhen a man sees something desirable, he must reflect on the fact that with time it could come to involve what is detestable. When he sees something that is beneficial, he should reflect that sooner or later it, too, could come to involve harm.
More Xunzi Quotes
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If the blood humor is too strong and robust, calm it with balance and harmony.
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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 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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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 drum is surely the lord of music, is it not?
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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 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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Quarreling over food and drink, having neither scruples nor shame, not knowing right from wrong, not trying to avoid death or injury, not fearful of greater strength or of greater numbers, greedily aware only of food and drink – such is the bravery of the dog and boar.
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If the impulse to daring and bravery is too fierce and violent, stay it with guidance and instruction.
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Sacrifices are concerned with the feelings of devotion and longing.
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The person attempting to travel two roads at once will get nowhere.
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Those whose character is mean and vicious will rouse others to animosity against them.
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When a man sees something desirable, he must reflect on the fact that with time it could come to involve what is detestable. When he sees something that is beneficial, he should reflect that sooner or later it, too, could come to involve harm.
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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.
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The nature of man is evil; what is good in him is artificial.
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The coming of honor or disgrace must be a reflection of one’s inner power.
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If knowledge and foresight are too penetrating and deep, unify them with ease and sincerity.
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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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The noble person uses things; the lesser man is used by things.
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The rigid cause themselves to be broken; the pliable cause themselves to be bound.
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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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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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Human nature is evil, and goodness is caused by intentional activity.
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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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They are done merely for ornament. … the common people regard them as supernatural.
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Mencius said that human nature is good. I disagree with that.
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