Quotes by Xun Zi

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

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

Now it is human nature to want to eat to ones fill when hungry, to want to warm up when cold, to want to rest when tired. These all are a part of people’s emotional nature.

In antiquity the sage kings recognized that men’s nature is bad and that their tendencies were not being corrected and their lawlessness controlled.

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

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

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

If the blood humor is too strong and robust, calm it with balance and harmony.

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.