All Xunzi Quotes with Verified Sources & Citations (130)

The ruler who loves the people will be strong; the ruler who despises them will be weak.

circa 300 BCE — From 'Xunzi', advocating benevolent governance.

General Unverifiable

The gentleman is broad-minded but not indiscriminate; the petty man is indiscriminate but not broad-minded.

circa 300 BCE — From 'Xunzi', contrasting wisdom and foolishness.

Social & Racial Unverifiable

The petty man is eager to acquire but loath to give up.

circa 300 BCE — From 'Xunzi', criticizing greed.

General Unverifiable

The gentleman does not esteem what is easy to obtain.

circa 300 BCE — From 'Xunzi', advocating the pursuit of difficult virtues.

General Unverifiable

The gentleman is cautious in what he does not see and fearful of what he does not hear.

circa 300 BCE — From 'Xunzi', advocating prudence.

General Unverifiable

The petty man is sure to be contentious.

circa 300 BCE — From 'Xunzi', criticizing argumentativeness.

General Unverifiable

The gentleman does not compete.

circa 300 BCE — From 'Xunzi', advocating non-aggression.

General Unverifiable

The petty man is sure to be deceitful.

circa 300 BCE — From 'Xunzi', criticizing dishonesty.

General Unverifiable

The gentleman does not value what is old simply because it is old.

circa 300 BCE — From 'Xunzi', advocating critical thinking.

General Unverifiable

The petty man is sure to be reckless.

circa 300 BCE — From 'Xunzi', criticizing impulsiveness.

General Unverifiable

Xunzi