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.
XUNZINow 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.
More Xunzi Quotes
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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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The coming of honor or disgrace must be a reflection of one’s inner power.
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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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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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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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You look upon the seasons with expectation and await them: wy not seize the seasonal opportunities and exploit them?
XUNZI -
I once tried thinking for an entire day, but I found it less valuable than one moment of study.
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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.
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If there is no dull and determined effort, there will be no brilliant achievement.
XUNZI -
When you concentrate on agriculture and industry and are frugal in expenditures, Heaven cannot impoverish your state.
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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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Human nature refers to what is in people but which they cannot study or work at achieving.
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Human nature is evil, and goodness is caused by intentional activity.
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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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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.
XUNZI