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They are done merely for ornament. ... the common people regard them as supernatural.

Xunzi

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Xunzi
Ornament
Ornaments
Supernatural
Merely
Regard
Common
Done
People

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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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The person attempting to travel two roads at once will get nowhere.
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The nature of man is evil what is good in him is artificial.
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Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn.
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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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The drum is surely the lord of music, is it not?
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The noble person uses things the lesser man is used by things.
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Thus, that one can find no place to walk through the breadth of the earth is not because the earth is not tranquil but because the danger to every step of the traveler lies generally with words.
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Mencius said that human nature is good. I disagree with that.
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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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When people lack teachers, their tendencies are not corrected when they do not have ritual and moral principles, then their lawlessness is not controlled.
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Sacrifices are concerned with the feelings of devotion and longing.
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Human nature refers to what is in people but which they cannot study or work at achieving.
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Human nature is evil, and goodness is caused by intentional activity.
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Those whose character is mean and vicious will rouse others to animosity against them.
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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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Since the nature of people is bad, to become corrected they must be taught by teachers and to be orderly they must acquire ritual and moral principles.
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The coming of honor or disgrace must be a reflection of one's inner power.
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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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