Xunzi:

The gentleman uses his wealth to spread virtue; the petty man uses his wealth to spread his body.

— Xunzi Ancient

Confucian philosopher

Context

From his moral teachings

Date / Period

approx. 300 BCE

Source

https://www.iep.utm.edu/xunzi/

Verification

Unverifiable

Explanation

Found in 1 providers: deepseek

Method

Cross Reference

Sources Checked

1 source

More from Xunzi

"Heaven has its constant ways. It does not exist for the sake of a Yao or a Jie. Respond to it with good order, and good fortune will result. Respond to it with disorder, and misfortune will result."

Humorous

"If a man is not ashamed to ask about what is below his dignity, he is not ashamed to learn what is beneath his understanding."

Strange & Unusual

"The sage kings of antiquity did not inherit their positions; they seized them."

Controversial

"The petty man is sure to be reckless."