Xunzi Quotes
Not having heard something is not as good as having heard it; having heard it is not as good as having seen it; having seen it is not as good as knowing it; knowing it is not as good as putting it into practice.
Quotes to Explore
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The nature of man is evil; what is good in him is artificial.
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Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn.
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Misery is evil; quarreling, a misfortune. There is only one possibility of avoiding both: a clear division of society. [Otherwise] the strong tyrannize the weak, the intelligent frighten the stupid, the inferior resist the superior, and the young mock the old.
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You look upon the seasons with expectation and await them: wy not seize the seasonal opportunities and exploit them?
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They are done merely for ornament. ... the common people regard them as supernatural.
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If you wish to see the thousand years, look at today; if you wish to understand the millionfold, then look at the one or the two.
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The noble person uses things; the lesser man is used by things.
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The drum is surely the lord of music, is it not?
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Men of all social stations live together: they are equal in their desires, yet vary in their methods; they are equal in their passions, yet different in their intelligence; that is their nature-given vitality.
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If there is no dull and determined effort, there will be no brilliant achievement.
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Man's nature is evil; goodness is the result of conscious activity.
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One must remember equality, yet also be aware of difference, for if the people are allowed to act as it pleases them without coming up against displeasure, if one gives rein to its desires without setting [any] limit, it becomes confused and can no longer take delight in anything.
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Sacrifice is a state of mind in which our thoughts turn with longing [toward Heaven, the Ancestors], It is the supreme expression of loyalty, love, and respect.
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Not having heard something is not as good as having heard it; having heard it is not as good as having seen it; having seen it is not as good as knowing it; knowing it is not as good as putting it into practice.