Famous quote by Xun Kuang

"Human nature is such that people are born with a love of profit If they follow these inclinations, they will struggle and snatch from each other, and inclinations to defer or yield will die"

About this Quote

Xun Kuang, frequently known as Xunzi, was a popular Chinese philosopher who lived during the Warring States duration-- a time of excellent social and political turmoil. His works often look into the nature of humankind and the importance of social structure and ethical education. The quote "Human nature is such that individuals are born with a love of revenue. If they follow these inclinations, they will have a hard time and take from each other, and inclinations to delay or yield will pass away" reflects his view on humanity and the need of cultivating virtue through social ways.

The quote suggests that human beings are innately driven by a desire for individual gain or earnings. Xunzi asserted that this aspect of humanity, left unchecked, could lead to conflict and chaos as individuals complete for resources and status. The "battle and nab from each other" portrays a society where people prioritize their self-interest over common harmony, possibly causing disorder and a breakdown of social bonds.

Moreover, Xunzi was an advocate of Confucian thought, which stresses the significance of ethical education and the growing of virtues. In his view, the naturally self-serving propensities of people could be tempered through correct education, ritual, and governance. He believed that without these assisting structures, the natural disposition towards self-interest would overshadow the more socially beneficial qualities like deference and yielding.

"The dispositions to defer or yield will die" indicates his issue that without purposeful growing of virtues like humility and cooperation, these qualities may be lost in the pursuit of individual gain. For Xunzi, it is through the intentional cultivation of morals and virtues, frequently through societal institutions, that humans can overcome their base inclinations and contribute favorably to the neighborhood.

This perspective challenges the concept of a naturally virtuous humanity, as suggested by Mencius, another Confucian thinker. Rather, Xunzi's view places value on the function of social influence and ethical education in forming ethical habits and keeping social order.

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Xun Kuang This quote is from Xun Kuang between 310 BC and 237 BC. He was a famous Philosopher from China. The author also have 32 other quotes.
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