The person attempting to travel two roads at once will get nowhere.
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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The rigid cause themselves to be broken; the pliable cause themselves to be bound.
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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 there is no dull and determined effort, there will be no brilliant achievement.
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Sacrifices are concerned with the feelings of devotion and longing.
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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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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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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.
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If knowledge and foresight are too penetrating and deep, unify them with ease and sincerity.
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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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There are successful scholars, public-spirited scholars, upright scholars, cautious scholars, and those who are merely petty men.
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They are done merely for ornament. … the common people regard them as supernatural.
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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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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.
XUNZI