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I 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.

Xunzi

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Xunzi
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The nature of man is evil what is good in him is artificial.
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Mencius said that human nature is good. I disagree with that.
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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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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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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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You look upon the seasons with expectation and await them: wy not seize the seasonal opportunities and exploit 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 knowledge and foresight are too penetrating and deep, unify them with ease and sincerity.
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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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