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.
XUNZIThe person attempting to travel two roads at once will get nowhere.
More Xunzi Quotes
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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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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 rigid cause themselves to be broken; the pliable cause themselves to be bound.
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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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Sacrifices are concerned with the feelings of devotion and longing.
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Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn.
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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 there is no dull and determined effort, there will be no brilliant achievement.
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The nature of man is evil; what is good in him is artificial.
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Those whose character is mean and vicious will rouse others to animosity against them.
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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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Misery is evil; quarreling, a misfortune. There is only one possibility of avoiding both: a clear division of society. [Otherwise] the strong tyrannize the weak, the intelligent frighten the stupid, the inferior resist the superior, and the young mock the old.
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If the blood humor is too strong and robust, calm it with balance and harmony.
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Mencius said that human nature is good. I disagree with that.
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Human nature is what Heaven supplies.
XUNZI