If the quickness of the mind and the fluency of the tongue are too punctilious and sharp, moderate them in your activity and rest.
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
-
-
I once tried thinking for an entire day, but I found it less valuable than one moment of study.
XUNZI -
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.
XUNZI -
Human nature refers to what is in people but which they cannot study or work at achieving.
XUNZI -
Human nature is what Heaven supplies.
XUNZI -
Mencius said that human nature is good. I disagree with that.
XUNZI -
The drum is surely the lord of music, is it not?
XUNZI -
Sacrifices are concerned with the feelings of devotion and longing.
XUNZI -
The person attempting to travel two roads at once will get nowhere.
XUNZI -
The coming of honor or disgrace must be a reflection of one’s inner power.
XUNZI -
Thus, anybody who follows this nature and gives way its states will be led into quarrels and conflicts, and go against the conventions and rules of society, and will end up a criminal.
XUNZI -
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.
XUNZI -
Whether the gentleman is capable or not, he is loved all the same; conversely the petty man is loathed all the same.
XUNZI -
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.
XUNZI -
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 -
Those whose character is mean and vicious will rouse others to animosity against them.
XUNZI