Human nature is evil, and goodness is caused by intentional activity.
XUNZIHuman nature is evil, and goodness is caused by intentional activity.
XUNZIIf the impulse to daring and bravery is too fierce and violent, stay it with guidance and instruction.
XUNZIIn antiquity the sage kings recognized that men’s nature is bad and that their tendencies were not being corrected and their lawlessness controlled.
XUNZIHuman nature refers to what is in people but which they cannot study or work at achieving.
XUNZIThe noble person uses things; the lesser man is used by things.
XUNZIThey are done merely for ornament. … the common people regard them as supernatural.
XUNZIA 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.
XUNZISacrifice 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.
XUNZIIf there is no dull and determined effort, there will be no brilliant achievement.
XUNZISince the nature of people is bad, to become corrected they must be taught by teachers and to be orderly they must acquire ritual and moral principles.
XUNZII 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.
XUNZINow 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.
XUNZIOne 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.
XUNZIPride and excess bring disaster for man.
XUNZIQuarreling 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.
XUNZIIf 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