Xunzi

Confucian philosopher

Ancient influential 130 sayings

Sayings by Xunzi

He who learns much and asks much will achieve much.

c. 3rd century BCE — Xunzi, Chapter 1, 'Exhortation to Learning'
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The gentleman does not seek to be praised by others, but to be true to himself.

c. 3rd century BCE — Xunzi, Chapter 3, 'On Self-Cultivation'
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The eye cannot see itself, nor can the tongue taste itself.

c. 3rd century BCE — Xunzi, Chapter 2, 'On Self-Cultivation'
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The sage is the one who understands the reasons for things.

c. 3rd century BCE — Xunzi, Chapter 21, 'Unfettering the Mind'
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The accumulation of good deeds leads to fame and glory.

c. 3rd century BCE — Xunzi, Chapter 1, 'Exhortation to Learning'
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

To be able to rectify one's own mistakes is the beginning of wisdom.

c. 3rd century BCE — Xunzi, Chapter 2, 'On Self-Cultivation'
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The gentleman is always serious and sincere.

c. 3rd century BCE — Xunzi, Chapter 3, 'On Self-Cultivation'
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

If a man does not accumulate steps, he cannot reach a thousand li.

c. 3rd century BCE — Xunzi, Chapter 1, 'Exhortation to Learning'
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The sage is one who knows what to do and what not to do.

c. 3rd century BCE — Xunzi, Chapter 21, 'Unfettering the Mind'
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The mind is the master of the body.

c. 3rd century BCE — Xunzi, Chapter 21, 'Unfettering the Mind'
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The gentleman is not afraid of being alone.

c. 3rd century BCE — Xunzi, Chapter 3, 'On Self-Cultivation'
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

To be good at governing is to select the right people.

c. 3rd century BCE — Xunzi, Chapter 9, 'The Regulations of a True King'
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The greatest joy is to do good.

c. 3rd century BCE — Xunzi, Chapter 2, 'On Self-Cultivation'
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The superior man is far-sighted, the petty man is near-sighted.

c. 3rd century BCE — Xunzi, Chapter 2, 'On Self-Cultivation'
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

To know is not as good as to love, and to love is not as good as to enjoy.

c. 3rd century BCE — Xunzi, Chapter 20, 'Discourse on Music'
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The gentleman is not anxious when he fails, nor proud when he succeeds.

c. 3rd century BCE — Xunzi, Chapter 3, 'On Self-Cultivation'
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

To hear a hundred times is not as good as to see once.

c. 3rd century BCE — Xunzi, Chapter 1, 'Exhortation to Learning'
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The sage is one who puts his mind in order and thereby clarifies his understanding.

c. 3rd century BCE — Xunzi, Chapter 21, 'Unfettering the Mind'
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The gentleman is always open to criticism.

c. 3rd century BCE — Xunzi, Chapter 2, 'On Self-Cultivation'
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

If the mind is not clear, then one cannot see the truth.

c. 3rd century BCE — Xunzi, Chapter 21, 'Unfettering the Mind'
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable