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.
XUNZIPride and excess bring disaster for man.
More Xunzi Quotes
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They are done merely for ornament. … the common people regard them as supernatural.
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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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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.
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The coming of honor or disgrace must be a reflection of one’s inner power.
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Human nature is what Heaven supplies.
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Music is a fantastic peacekeeper of the world, it is integral to harmony, and it is a required fundamental of human emotion.
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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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Mencius said that human nature is good. I disagree with that.
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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 gentleman has ability, he is magnanimous, generous, tolerant, and straightforward, through which he opens the way to instruct others.
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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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If the blood humor is too strong and robust, calm it with balance and harmony.
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Those whose character is mean and vicious will rouse others to animosity against them.
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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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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