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

Xunzi

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Xunzi
Activity
Evil
Nature
Human
Humans
Intentional
Caused
Goodness

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If there is no dull and determined effort, there will be no brilliant achievement.
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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.
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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.
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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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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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The nature of man is evil what is good in him is artificial.
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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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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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The rigid cause themselves to be broken the pliable cause themselves to be bound.
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Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn.
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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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Mencius said that human nature is good. I disagree with that.
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Those whose character is mean and vicious will rouse others to animosity against them.
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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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Human nature is what Heaven supplies.
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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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The coming of honor or disgrace must be a reflection of one's inner power.
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The person attempting to travel two roads at once will get nowhere.
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I once tried thinking for an entire day, but I found it less valuable than one moment of study.
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If the impulse to daring and bravery is too fierce and violent, stay it with guidance and instruction.
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