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.
XUNZIIf knowledge and foresight are too penetrating and deep, unify them with ease and sincerity.
More Xunzi Quotes
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Mencius said that human nature is good. I disagree with that.
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If what the heart approves conforms to proper patterns, then even if one’s desires are many, what harm would they be to good order?
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They are done merely for ornament. … the common people regard them as supernatural.
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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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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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Human nature refers to what is in people but which they cannot study or work at achieving.
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Those whose character is mean and vicious will rouse others to animosity against them.
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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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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 nature of man is evil; what is good in him is artificial.
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The rigid cause themselves to be broken; the pliable cause themselves to be bound.
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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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If there is no dull and determined effort, there will be no brilliant achievement.
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Sacrifices are concerned with the feelings of devotion and longing.
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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.
XUNZI