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Human nature is evil, and goodness is caused by intentional activity.

Xunzi

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Xunzi
Goodness
Activity
Evil
Nature
Human
Humans
Intentional
Caused

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Since 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.
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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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The drum is surely the lord of music, is it not?
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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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You look upon the seasons with expectation and await them: wy not seize the seasonal opportunities and exploit them?
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Mencius said that human nature is good. I disagree with that.
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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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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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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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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.
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The noble person uses things the lesser man is used by things.
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If there is no dull and determined effort, there will be no brilliant achievement.
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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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If the blood humor is too strong and robust, calm it with balance and harmony.
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The rigid cause themselves to be broken the pliable cause themselves to be bound.
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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.
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If knowledge and foresight are too penetrating and deep, unify them with ease and sincerity.
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Pride and excess bring disaster for man.
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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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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.
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