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The noble person uses things the lesser man is used by things.
Xunzi
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Xunzi
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More quotes by 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.
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The nature of man is evil what is good in him is artificial.
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You look upon the seasons with expectation and await them: wy not seize the seasonal opportunities and exploit them?
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Those whose character is mean and vicious will rouse others to animosity against them.
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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.
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The drum is surely the lord of music, is it not?
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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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I once tried standing up on my toes to see far out in the distance, but I found that I could see much farther by climbing to a high place.
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If the blood humor is too strong and robust, calm it with balance and harmony.
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Human nature is evil, and goodness is caused by intentional activity.
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Men of all social stations live together: they are equal in their desires, yet vary in their methods they are equal in their passions, yet different in their intelligence that is their nature-given vitality.
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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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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 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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They are done merely for ornament. ... the common people regard them as supernatural.
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If knowledge and foresight are too penetrating and deep, unify them with ease and sincerity.
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The person attempting to travel two roads at once will get nowhere.
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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.
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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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When people lack teachers, their tendencies are not corrected when they do not have ritual and moral principles, then their lawlessness is not controlled.
Xunzi
