Xun Kuang

Whether the gentleman is capable or not, he is loved all the same; conversely the petty man is loathed all the same.

Xun Kuang

If what the heart approves conforms to proper patterns, then even if one’s desires are many, what harm would they be to good order?

Xun Kuang

Mencius said that human nature is good. I disagree with that.

Xun Kuang

The drum is surely the lord of music, is it not?

Xun Kuang

There are successful scholars, public-spirited scholars, upright scholars, cautious scholars, and those who are merely petty men.

Xun Kuang

Therefore, a person should first be changed by a teacher’s instructions, and guided by principles of ritual. Only then can he observe the rules of courtesy and humility, obey the conventions and rules of society, and achieve order.

Xun Kuang

Those whose character is mean and vicious will rouse others to animosity against them.

Xun Kuang

Thus, anybody who follows this nature and gives way its states will be led into quarrels and conflicts, and go against the conventions and rules of society, and will end up a criminal.

Xun Kuang

Thus, that one can find no place to walk through the breadth of the earth is not because the earth is not tranquil but because the danger to every step of the traveler lies generally with words.

Xun Kuang