Human nature refers to what is in people but which they cannot study or work at achieving.
XUNZIThose whose character is mean and vicious will rouse others to animosity against them.
More Xunzi Quotes
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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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When a man sees something desirable, he must reflect on the fact that with time it could come to involve what is detestable. When he sees something that is beneficial, he should reflect that sooner or later it, too, could come to involve harm.
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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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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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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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The nature of man is evil; what is good in him is artificial.
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If knowledge and foresight are too penetrating and deep, unify them with ease and sincerity.
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When you concentrate on agriculture and industry and are frugal in expenditures, Heaven cannot impoverish your state.
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Human nature is evil, and goodness is caused by intentional activity.
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Man’s nature is evil; goodness is the result of conscious activity.
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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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Mencius said that human nature is good. I disagree with that.
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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.
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Human nature is what Heaven supplies.
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The drum is surely the lord of music, is it not?
XUNZI