Xunzi

Confucian philosopher

Ancient influential 130 sayings

Sayings by Xunzi

If a man is born with a nature that loves profit, and if he acts according to this nature, he will contend with others and be rapacious. Hence, deference and courtesy will disappear, and the principles of good order and civilization will be lost.

c. 3rd century BCE — Xunzi, 'Xunzi' (Chapter 23, 'The Nature of Man is Evil')
Humorous Unverifiable

A man's learning is not complete until he ceases to learn.

c. 3rd century BCE — Xunzi, 'Xunzi' (Chapter 1, 'Exhortation to Learning')
Humorous Unverifiable

To accumulate good is to become a sage; to accumulate evil is to become a criminal.

c. 3rd century BCE — Xunzi, 'Xunzi' (Chapter 23, 'The Nature of Man is Evil')
Humorous Unverifiable

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.

c. 3rd century BCE — Xunzi, 'Xunzi' (Chapter 17, 'Discourse on Heaven')
Humorous Unverifiable

The gentleman uses things; the small man is used by things.

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

Learning continues until death and only then does it cease.

c. 3rd century BCE — Xunzi, 'Xunzi' (Chapter 1, 'Exhortation to Learning')
Humorous Unverifiable

If you do not climb up a high mountain, you will not know the height of heaven. If you do not approach a deep valley, you will not know the thickness of the earth. If you do not hear the words of the former kings, you will not know the greatness of learning.

c. 3rd century BCE — Xunzi, 'Xunzi' (Chapter 1, 'Exhortation to Learning')
Humorous Unverifiable

A journey of a thousand li begins with a single step.

c. 3rd century BCE — Xunzi, 'Xunzi' (Chapter 1, 'Exhortation to Learning')
Humorous Unverifiable

The gentleman is cautious about what he does not know.

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

When a man's desires are few, his mind is at ease. When his desires are many, his mind is troubled.

c. 3rd century BCE — Xunzi, 'Xunzi' (Chapter 3, 'On Not Being Too Anxious')
Humorous Unverifiable

If the roots are deep, the leaves will flourish.

c. 3rd century BCE — Xunzi, 'Xunzi' (Chapter 1, 'Exhortation to Learning')
Humorous Unverifiable

A horse that has been broken can be ridden; a man who has been taught can be employed.

c. 3rd century BCE — Xunzi, 'Xunzi' (Chapter 1, 'Exhortation to Learning')
Humorous Unverifiable

When the mind is not at ease, the body is not at peace.

c. 3rd century BCE — Xunzi, 'Xunzi' (Chapter 3, 'On Not Being Too Anxious')
Humorous Unverifiable

The gentleman does not worry about not being known; he worries about not knowing others.

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

To be able to distinguish between right and wrong is wisdom.

c. 3rd century BCE — Xunzi, 'Xunzi' (Chapter 22, 'On the Rectification of Names')
Humorous Unverifiable

The wise man does not lament the past, but plans for the future.

c. 3rd century BCE — Xunzi, 'Xunzi' (Chapter 3, 'On Not Being Too Anxious')
Humorous Unverifiable

To know is to know that you know nothing. That is the meaning of true knowledge.

c. 3rd century BCE — Xunzi, 'Xunzi' (Chapter 1, 'Exhortation to Learning')
Humorous Unverifiable

The superior man is modest in his speech, but exceeds in his actions.

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

If a man does not learn, he will not know the Way.

c. 3rd century BCE — Xunzi, 'Xunzi' (Chapter 1, 'Exhortation to Learning')
Humorous Unverifiable

The gentleman is not a tool.

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