Xunzi

The gentleman is firm but not stubborn.

c. 3rd century BCE — Xunzi, Chapter 3, 'On Self-Cultivation'

Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The greatest evil is to be unable to correct one's mistakes.

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

Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

What is the greatest blessing? To be able to cultivate oneself.

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

Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The true king does not seek to expand his territory, but to enrich his people.

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

Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The gentleman is respectful but not subservient.

c. 3rd century BCE — Xunzi, Chapter 3, 'On Self-Cultivation'

Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

To be without blame is the highest virtue.

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

Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The sage is one who masters the Way and applies it to the world.

c. 3rd century BCE — Xunzi, Chapter 21, 'Unfettering the Mind'

Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The greatest misfortune is to lose one's integrity.

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

Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The gentleman is calm in the face of danger.

c. 3rd century BCE — Xunzi, Chapter 3, 'On Self-Cultivation'

Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

Human nature is evil; its goodness derives from conscious activity.

approx. 300 BCE — From his philosophical writings on human nature

Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The gentleman knows that what is incomplete and unrefined does not deserve praise.

approx. 300 BCE — From his teachings on self-cultivation

Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

If you use a crooked stick to measure straightness, you will be led astray.

approx. 300 BCE — From his writings on logic and reasoning

Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The person who chases two rabbits catches neither.

approx. 300 BCE — From his teachings on focus and concentration

Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

Ritual conduct is the perfection of culture.

approx. 300 BCE — From his philosophy emphasizing rituals

Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

A person who is not ashamed to be called a fool is truly wise.

approx. 300 BCE — From his paradoxical statements about wisdom

Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

When you see good, move toward it as though you could never reach it; when you see evil, shrink from it as though you had put your hand in boiling water.

approx. 300 BCE — From his moral teachings

Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

If a noble man is not serious, he will not be respected, and his learning will not be on a firm foundation.

approx. 300 BCE — From his teachings on self-cultivation

Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The petty man is eager to make boasts, yet desires that others should believe in him.

approx. 300 BCE — From his critique of false behavior

Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The gentleman understands what is moral. The petty man understands what is profitable.

approx. 300 BCE — From his distinction between moral types

Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The sage accumulates thoughts and ideas. He practices to achieve mastery for himself, and then applies this mastery to benefit others.

approx. 300 BCE — From his writings on wisdom

Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

Sayings by Xunzi