The noble person uses things; the lesser man is used by things.
XUNZIWhether the gentleman is capable or not, he is loved all the same; conversely the petty man is loathed all the same.
More Xunzi Quotes
-
-
You look upon the seasons with expectation and await them: wy not seize the seasonal opportunities and exploit them?
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 -
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.
XUNZI -
The drum is surely the lord of music, is it not?
XUNZI -
Sacrifices are concerned with the feelings of devotion and longing.
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 -
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.
XUNZI -
If the blood humor is too strong and robust, calm it with balance and harmony.
XUNZI -
Mencius said that human nature is good. I disagree with that.
XUNZI -
Pride and excess bring disaster for man.
XUNZI -
The person attempting to travel two roads at once will get nowhere.
XUNZI -
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.
XUNZI -
Human nature is evil, and goodness is caused by intentional activity.
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 -
The nature of man is evil; what is good in him is artificial.
XUNZI