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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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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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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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If the blood humor is too strong and robust, calm it with balance and harmony.
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Man's nature is evil goodness is the result of conscious activity.
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Mencius said that human nature is good. I disagree with that.
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Music is a fantastic peacekeeper of the world, it is integral to harmony, and it is a required fundamental of human emotion.
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If knowledge and foresight are too penetrating and deep, unify them with ease and sincerity.
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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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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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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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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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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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Those whose character is mean and vicious will rouse others to animosity against them.
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Pride and excess bring disaster for man.
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They are done merely for ornament. ... the common people regard them as supernatural.
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The nature of man is evil what is good in him is artificial.
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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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