"In antiquity the sage kings recognized that men's nature is bad and that their tendencies were not being corrected and their lawlessness controlled"
- Xun Kuang
About this Quote
This quote by Xun Zi suggests that in ancient times, wise rulers understood that humanity has unfavorable propensities and habits that must be managed and regulated by laws or other methods. Without such measures, individuals would act lawlessly and harmfully towards others.
"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"
"Though nature be ever so generous, yet can she not make a hero alone. Fortune must contribute her part too; and till both concur, the work cannot be perfected"