Xun Zi
Xun Zi
Xun Kuang, also widely known as Xun Zi,, was a Chinese Realist Confucian philosopher who lived during the Warring States period and contributed to one of the Hundred Schools of Thought...
NationalityChinese
ProfessionPhilosopher
CountryChina
becoming chinese-philosopher clouded fear mentally obsessed order properly section understand
In order to properly understand the big picture, everyone should fear becoming mentally clouded and obsessed with one small section of truth.
chinese-philosopher daring impulse stay
If the impulse to daring and bravery is too fierce and violent, stay it with guidance and instruction.
attempting chinese-philosopher travel
The person attempting to travel two roads at once will get nowhere.
born chinese-philosopher desires gives immorality lack lead principles ritual sights
A person is born with desires of the eyes and ears, and a liking for beautiful sights and sounds. If he gives way to them, they will lead him to immorality and lack of restriction, and any ritual principles and propriety will be abandoned.
achieve changed chinese-philosopher courtesy guided obey observe principles rules
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.
breadth chinese-philosopher danger generally lies tranquil traveler walk
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.
chinese-philosopher opens
If the gentleman has ability, he is magnanimous, generous, tolerant, and straightforward, through which he opens the way to instruct others.
caused chinese-philosopher goodness human nature
Human nature is evil, and goodness is caused by intentional activity.
chinese-philosopher ease foresight knowledge unify
If knowledge and foresight are too penetrating and deep, unify them with ease and sincerity.
born chinese-philosopher envy faith feelings gives good lead violence
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.
chinese-philosopher entire found less tried valuable
I once tried thinking for an entire day, but I found it less valuable than one moment of study.
chinese-philosopher involve later man sees sooner time
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.
chinese-philosopher concerned sacrifices
Sacrifices are concerned with the feelings of devotion and longing.
chinese-philosopher human nature
Mencius said that human nature is good. I disagree with that.