Pride and excess bring disaster for man.
XUNZISacrifice 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.
More Xunzi Quotes
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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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There are successful scholars, public-spirited scholars, upright scholars, cautious scholars, and those who are merely petty men.
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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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Mencius said that human nature is good. I disagree with that.
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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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Human nature refers to what is in people but which they cannot study or work at achieving.
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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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Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn.
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If the blood humor is too strong and robust, calm it with balance and harmony.
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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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Human nature is evil, and goodness is caused by intentional activity.
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Sacrifices are concerned with the feelings of devotion and longing.
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The nature of man is evil; what is good in him is artificial.
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They are done merely for ornament. … the common people regard them as supernatural.
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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.
XUNZI