The coming of honor or disgrace must be a reflection of one’s inner power.
XUNZIPride and excess bring disaster for man.
More Xunzi Quotes
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Therefore, a person should first be changed by a teacher’s instructions, and guided by principles of ritual. Only then can he observe the rules of courtesy and humility, obey the conventions and rules of society, and achieve order.
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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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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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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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There are successful scholars, public-spirited scholars, upright scholars, cautious scholars, and those who are merely petty men.
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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.
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Those whose character is mean and vicious will rouse others to animosity against them.
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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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The nature of man is evil; what is good in him is artificial.
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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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If there is no dull and determined effort, there will be no brilliant achievement.
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Mencius said that human nature is good. I disagree with that.
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If the blood humor is too strong and robust, calm it with balance and harmony.
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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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Human nature is evil, and goodness is caused by intentional activity.
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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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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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Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn.
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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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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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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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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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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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They are done merely for ornament. … the common people regard them as supernatural.
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If knowledge and foresight are too penetrating and deep, unify them with ease and sincerity.
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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.
XUNZI