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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?
Xunzi
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More quotes by Xunzi
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.
Xunzi
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.
Xunzi
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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You look upon the seasons with expectation and await them: wy not seize the seasonal opportunities and exploit them?
Xunzi
If the impulse to daring and bravery is too fierce and violent, stay it with guidance and instruction.
Xunzi
Human nature refers to what is in people but which they cannot study or work at achieving.
Xunzi
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.
Xunzi
Whether the gentleman is capable or not, he is loved all the same conversely the petty man is loathed all the same.
Xunzi
The noble person uses things the lesser man is used by things.
Xunzi
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.
Xunzi
Now it is human nature to want to eat to ones fill when hungry, to want to warm up when cold, to want to rest when tired. These all are a part of people's emotional nature.
Xunzi
In antiquity the sage kings recognized that men's nature is bad and that their tendencies were not being corrected and their lawlessness controlled.
Xunzi
If the quickness of the mind and the fluency of the tongue are too punctilious and sharp, moderate them in your activity and rest.
Xunzi
Pride and excess bring disaster for man.
Xunzi
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.
Xunzi
The person attempting to travel two roads at once will get nowhere.
Xunzi
When you concentrate on agriculture and industry and are frugal in expenditures, Heaven cannot impoverish your state.
Xunzi
Mencius said that human nature is good. I disagree with that.
Xunzi
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.
Xunzi
Those whose character is mean and vicious will rouse others to animosity against them.
Xunzi