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Human nature refers to what is in people but which they cannot study or work at achieving.

Xunzi

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Xunzi
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More quotes by Xunzi

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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 knowledge and foresight are too penetrating and deep, unify them with ease and sincerity.
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Sacrifices are concerned with the feelings of devotion and longing.
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The person attempting to travel two roads at once will get nowhere.
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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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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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Man's nature is evil goodness is the result of conscious activity.
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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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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 coming of honor or disgrace must be a reflection of one's inner power.
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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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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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If the impulse to daring and bravery is too fierce and violent, stay it with guidance and instruction.
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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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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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They are done merely for ornament. ... the common people regard them as supernatural.
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Pride and excess bring disaster for man.
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The nature of man is evil what is good in him is artificial.
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The rigid cause themselves to be broken the pliable cause themselves to be bound.
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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.
Xunzi