Quote

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

Change background

T
T
T

Change font

TAGS & TOPICS

Xunzi
Way
Conflict
Conflicts
Anybody
Quarrels
Gives
Conventions
Society
Follows
Nature
Criminal
Ends
Criminals
States
Thus
Giving
Rules

More quotes by Xunzi

Image
If the gentleman has ability, he is magnanimous, generous, tolerant, and straightforward, through which he opens the way to instruct others.
Xunzi
Image
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
Image
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
Image
Human nature is evil, and goodness is caused by intentional activity.
Xunzi
Image
I once tried thinking for an entire day, but I found it less valuable than one moment of study.
Xunzi
Image
If knowledge and foresight are too penetrating and deep, unify them with ease and sincerity.
Xunzi
Image
Man's nature is evil goodness is the result of conscious activity.
Xunzi
Image
If the impulse to daring and bravery is too fierce and violent, stay it with guidance and instruction.
Xunzi
Image
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.
Xunzi
Image
Mencius said that human nature is good. I disagree with that.
Xunzi
Image
They are done merely for ornament. ... the common people regard them as supernatural.
Xunzi
Image
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
Image
The rigid cause themselves to be broken the pliable cause themselves to be bound.
Xunzi
Image
The coming of honor or disgrace must be a reflection of one's inner power.
Xunzi
Image
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
Image
Sacrifices are concerned with the feelings of devotion and longing.
Xunzi
Image
When you concentrate on agriculture and industry and are frugal in expenditures, Heaven cannot impoverish your state.
Xunzi
Image
There are successful scholars, public-spirited scholars, upright scholars, cautious scholars, and those who are merely petty men.
Xunzi
Image
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
Image
The drum is surely the lord of music, is it not?
Xunzi