"Human nature is evil, and goodness is caused by intentional activity"
- Xun Kuang
About this Quote
Xun Zi thought that humans are born with wicked tendencies which it is just through mindful effort and deliberate activity that goodness can be promoted. In other words, he saw goodness as something that should be actively cultivated and practiced instead of something inherent or quickly attained. This point of view shows his belief in the power of education, routine, and ethical discipline in forming human character and promoting ethical habits.
"Art is not merely an imitation of the reality of nature, but in truth a metaphysical supplement to the reality of nature, placed alongside thereof for its conquest"
"The chess-board is the world, the pieces are the phenomena of the universe, the rules of the game are what we call the laws of Nature. The player on the other side is hidden from us"