Xunzi
Confucian philosopher
Sayings by Xunzi
What is learned should be put into practice.
The nature of man is to desire gain.
If the people have no faith in their rulers, the state cannot stand.
The wise man is not confused by things.
The gentleman is not afraid to admit his mistakes.
A man without a teacher is like a blind man without a guide.
The sage is the model for all mankind.
The Way is not far from man; when a man practices the Way, he is near to it.
The nature of man is such that he is born with a fondness for profit.
Ritual principles are not something that have originated from the nature of man.
The gentleman uses the law to control his nature.
The way of the ancient kings is to prize ritual and despise violence.
If men give rein to their feelings, obey their nature, they will assuredly come to strife and rapine.
The ruler is the boat; the common people are the water. The water can support the boat, but it can also overturn it.
The sage kings of antiquity did not inherit their positions; they seized them.
The nature of man is like a warped piece of wood—it must be steamed and bent before it can be made straight.
He who knows himself is wise; he who knows others is enlightened.
The gentleman does not enter a state that is endangered, nor does he dwell in one that is chaotic.
The petty man is fond of making reckless statements and acting rashly.
The petty man is sure to gloss over his faults.