Those whose character is mean and vicious will rouse others to animosity against them.
XUNZITherefore, 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.
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 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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You look upon the seasons with expectation and await them: wy not seize the seasonal opportunities and exploit them?
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Since the nature of people is bad, to become corrected they must be taught by teachers and to be orderly they must acquire ritual and moral principles.
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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 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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Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn.
XUNZI -
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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There are successful scholars, public-spirited scholars, upright scholars, cautious scholars, and those who are merely petty men.
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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.
XUNZI -
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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I once tried thinking for an entire day, but I found it less valuable than one moment of study.
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If there is no dull and determined effort, there will be no brilliant achievement.
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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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The drum is surely the lord of music, is it not?
XUNZI