35 Quotes by Xun Zi

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.

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.

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

When you concentrate on agriculture and industry and are frugal in expenditures, Heaven cannot impoverish your state.

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

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

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.

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

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