Mencius said that human nature is good. I disagree with that.
XUNZIIf the impulse to daring and bravery is too fierce and violent, stay it with guidance and instruction.
More Xunzi Quotes
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Sacrifice 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.
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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 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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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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Sacrifices are concerned with the feelings of devotion and longing.
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When people lack teachers, their tendencies are not corrected; when they do not have ritual and moral principles, then their lawlessness is not controlled.
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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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The coming of honor or disgrace must be a reflection of one’s inner power.
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I once tried standing up on my toes to see far out in the distance, but I found that I could see much farther by climbing to a high place.
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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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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 you wish to see the thousand years, look at today; if you wish to understand the millionfold, then look at the one or the two.
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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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If the impulse to daring and bravery is too fierce and violent, stay it with guidance and instruction.
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The noble person uses things; the lesser man is used by things.
XUNZI