Xunzi sayings and quotes
Xunzi, a Chinese philosopher and Confucian thinker, is known for his teachings on ethics, human nature, and social order. Here are some sayings and quotes attributed to Xunzi:
1. "The nature of man is evil; his goodness is only acquired training."
2. "The wise find pleasure in water; the virtuous find pleasure in hills. The wise are active; the virtuous are tranquil. The wise are joyful; the virtuous are long-lived."
3. "When we see men of a contrary character, we should turn inwards and examine ourselves."
4. "He who learns but does not think, is lost! He who thinks but does not learn is in great danger."
5. "To practice five things under all circumstances constitutes perfect virtue; these five are gravity, generosity of soul, sincerity, earnestness, and kindness."
6. "The superior man is distressed by the limitations of his ability; he is not distressed by the fact that men do not recognize the ability that he has."
7. "The way of the superior man is threefold, but I am not equal to it. Virtuous, he is free from anxieties; wise, he is free from perplexities; bold, he is free from fear."
8. "When we see men of worth, we should think of equaling them; when we see men of a contrary character, we should turn inwards and examine ourselves."
9. "The person attempting to travel two roads at once will get nowhere."
10. "The person who has nothing for which he is willing to fight, nothing which is more important than his own personal safety, is a miserable creature and has no chance of being free unless made and kept so by the exertions of better men than himself."
These quotes reflect Xunzi's emphasis on self-cultivation, moral development, and the importance of introspection in striving for personal and societal improvement.
Above is Xunzi sayings and quotes.