Human nature is evil, and goodness is caused by intentional activity.
XUNZIIf knowledge and foresight are too penetrating and deep, unify them with ease and sincerity.
More Xunzi Quotes
-
-
If the blood humor is too strong and robust, calm it with balance and harmony.
XUNZI -
They are done merely for ornament. … the common people regard them as supernatural.
XUNZI -
Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn.
XUNZI -
Man’s nature is evil; goodness is the result of conscious activity.
XUNZI -
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.
XUNZI -
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 -
Those whose character is mean and vicious will rouse others to animosity against them.
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 -
Sacrifices are concerned with the feelings of devotion and longing.
XUNZI -
If the gentleman has ability, he is magnanimous, generous, tolerant, and straightforward, through which he opens the way to instruct others.
XUNZI -
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.
XUNZI -
Misery is evil; quarreling, a misfortune. There is only one possibility of avoiding both: a clear division of society. [Otherwise] the strong tyrannize the weak, the intelligent frighten the stupid, the inferior resist the superior, and the young mock the old.
XUNZI -
If there is no dull and determined effort, there will be no brilliant achievement.
XUNZI -
Pride and excess bring disaster for man.
XUNZI -
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.
XUNZI