The nature of man is evil; what is good in him is artificial.
XUNZIYou look upon the seasons with expectation and await them: wy not seize the seasonal opportunities and exploit them?
More Xunzi Quotes
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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 the impulse to daring and bravery is too fierce and violent, stay it with guidance and instruction.
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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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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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Mencius said that human nature is good. I disagree with that.
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Human nature is evil, and goodness is caused by intentional activity.
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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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I once tried thinking for an entire day, but I found it less valuable than one moment of study.
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If there is no dull and determined effort, there will be no brilliant achievement.
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The person attempting to travel two roads at once will get nowhere.
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Human nature is such that people are born with a love of profit If they follow these inclinations, they will struggle and snatch from each other, and inclinations to defer or yield will die.
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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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Pride and excess bring disaster for man.
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If knowledge and foresight are too penetrating and deep, unify them with ease and sincerity.
XUNZI