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The rigid cause themselves to be broken the pliable cause themselves to be bound.

Xunzi

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Xunzi
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Human nature is evil, and goodness is caused by intentional activity.
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If the blood humor is too strong and robust, calm it with balance and harmony.
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Whether the gentleman is capable or not, he is loved all the same conversely the petty man is loathed all the same.
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Quarreling 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.
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Those whose character is mean and vicious will rouse others to animosity against them.
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The coming of honor or disgrace must be a reflection of one's inner power.
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If the quickness of the mind and the fluency of the tongue are too punctilious and sharp, moderate them in your activity and rest.
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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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I once tried thinking for an entire day, but I found it less valuable than one moment of study.
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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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Human nature is such that people are born with a love of profit If they follow these inclinations, they will struggle and snatch from each other, and inclinations to defer or yield will die.
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Mencius said that human nature is good. I disagree with that.
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The drum is surely the lord of music, is it not?
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Not having heard something is not as good as having heard it having heard it is not as good as having seen it having seen it is not as good as knowing it knowing it is not as good as putting it into practice.
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There are successful scholars, public-spirited scholars, upright scholars, cautious scholars, and those who are merely petty men.
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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.
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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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Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn.
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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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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