Human nature is evil, and goodness is caused by intentional activity.
XUNZIHuman 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.
More Xunzi Quotes
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The petty man is eager to make boasts, yet desires that others should believe in him. He enthusiastically engages in deception, yet wants others to have affection for him. He conducts himself like an animal, yet wants others to think well of him.
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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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The rigid cause themselves to be broken; the pliable cause themselves to be bound.
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Human nature is what Heaven supplies.
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If there is no dull and determined effort, there will be no brilliant achievement.
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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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Mencius said that human nature is good. I disagree with that.
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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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If the impulse to daring and bravery is too fierce and violent, stay it with guidance and instruction.
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Now it is human nature to want to eat to ones fill when hungry, to want to warm up when cold, to want to rest when tired. These all are a part of people’s emotional nature.
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Men of all social stations live together: they are equal in their desires, yet vary in their methods; they are equal in their passions, yet different in their intelligence; that is their nature-given vitality.
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If the blood humor is too strong and robust, calm it with balance and harmony.
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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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A person is born with feelings of envy and hate. If he gives way to them, they will lead him to violence and crime, and any sense of loyalty and good faith will be abandoned.
XUNZI