Xun Zi Quotes

Whether the gentleman is capable or not, he is loved all the same; conversely the petty man is loathed all the same.

Xun Zi

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. 

Xun Zi

I once tried thinking for an entire day, but I found it less valuable than one moment of study. 

Xun Zi

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.

Xun Zi

Mencius said that human nature is good. I disagree with that. 

Xun Zi

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. 

Xun Zi

If the quickness of the mind and the fluency of the tongue are too punctilious and sharp, moderate them in your activity and rest. 

Xun Zi

Quarreling over food and drink, having neither scruples nor shame, not knowing right from wrong, not trying to avoid death or injury, not fearful of greater strength or of greater numbers, greedily aware only of food and drink - such is the bravery of the dog and boar. 

Xun Zi

Human nature is such that people are born with a love of profit If they follow these inclinations, they will struggle and snatch from each other, and inclinations to defer or yield will die. 
Variant: A person is born with a liking for profit. 

Xun Zi

If knowledge and foresight are too penetrating and deep, unify them with ease and sincerity. 

Xun Zi

The coming of honor or disgrace must be a reflection of one's inner power. 

Xun Zi

When people lack teachers, their tendencies are not corrected; when they do not have ritual and moral principles, then their lawlessness is not controlled. 

Xun Zi

Those whose character is mean and vicious will rouse others to animosity against them. 

Xun Zi

Music is a fantastic peacekeeper of the world, it is integral to harmony, and it is a required fundamental of human emotion.

Xun Zi

In order to properly understand the big picture, everyone should fear becoming mentally clouded and obsessed with one small section of truth. 

Xun Zi

If the gentleman has ability, he is magnanimous, generous, tolerant, and straightforward, through which he opens the way to instruct others. 

Xun Zi

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. 

Xun Zi

Pride in excess brings disaster for man. 

Xun Zi

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. 

Xun Zi

Human nature refers to what is in people but which they cannot study or work at achieving. 

Xun Zi

Human nature is evil, and goodness is caused by intentional activity. 

Xun Zi

The person attempting to travel two roads at once will get nowhere. 

Xun Zi

When you locate good in yourself, approve of it with determination. When you locate evil in yourself, despise it as something detestable. 

Xun Zi

Xun Zi Biography

Born: 313 BCE
Died: 238 BCE

Xun Zi was a Chinese Confucian philosopher. He is best known for his influential thoughts and his wisdom.