Xunzi
Xunzi (310 BCE – 235 BCE)
A philosopher of the late Warring States period in China. His given name was Kuang (況). He was also known honorifically as Xun Qing (荀卿) or Sun Qingzi (孫卿子).
While criticizing both Zisi and Mencius, he argued that one should return to Confucius's original intentions. However, Xunzi's concept of Li (禮) is more legalistic than Confucius's and heavily influenced by Daoist epistemology. Nevertheless, for the same reason, he is considered to have critically inherited various schools of thought of the Hundred Schools of Thought, making him known as the synthesizer of pre-Qin thought. Although he gained recognition as an orthodox Confucian scholar during the Han and Tang dynasties and exerted a certain level of influence, he was later dismissed by Han Yu, a prominent Confucian scholar in the late Tang dynasty, who pointed out flaws in his teachings. As a result, he was rejected in Neo-Confucianism as well. However, he was reevaluated during the Qing dynasty.
His philosophy is based on the teachings of Confucius, emphasizing using Ren (仁) to influence the people while also stressing the importance of governing through Li (禮) and the division of social roles. According to his theory of Li-based governance (禮治), if the king (junzi) governs with a benevolent heart (仁) and establishes a social order through Li (禮), and classifies people based on their social status and appoints talented individuals, then the kingdom can become a realm of the Son of Heaven. (Xunzi's Kingly Way Politics). However, his disciples, including Han Fei and Li Si, advocated for a hegemonic political philosophy (覇道政治) arguing that the king does not necessarily need to be benevolent (仁) and that by appointing talented ministers and strictly enforcing the law, the people will follow and the kingdom will become prosperous and powerful. They criticized the Kingly Way Politics as hypocritical and viable only in a tranquil and peaceful era, leading to the development of Legalism as a separate school of thought.
○ Even if the path is short, one will not reach the destination if one does not walk. Even if the task is small, one will not achieve it if one does not act.
○ One cannot travel a thousand miles without accumulating one step at a time, and one cannot create a river or sea without accumulating small streams.
○ Accomplishing a task lies in perseverance. If one stops cutting with a knife, even a rotten tree will not break. But if one does not stop cutting, even iron or stone can be penetrated.
○ A fast steed can travel a thousand miles in a day. A slow donkey, if it walks without resting for ten days, can also travel a thousand miles.
○ Those who are sincere and honest are always at ease and benefit, while those who are dissolute and violent are always in danger and suffer harm.
○ To lightly regard death and act rashly is the courage of a petty person. To regard death as heavy and possess righteousness and not be frivolous is the courage of a noble person.
○ If there is someone who admonishes me and points out my faults appropriately, that person is someone I should respect as my teacher.
○ No matter how small the sound is, it cannot be unheard. No matter how concealed the action is, it cannot be unseen.
○ If one practices goodness and does not accumulate wickedness, how can one's reputation not become renowned?
○ Human nature is inherently evil. It must be changed through education and discipline.
○ Moral education can make a person a better being.
○ Reason and morality play a crucial role in regulating human behavior.
○ Life is a process of change and harmony.
○ There is no end to learning.
○ Success is not merely about achieving goals but also about inner growth.
○ Understanding oneself is controlling oneself.
○ Youth must be utilized well to be valuable.
○ Maintaining peace of mind is the beginning of wisdom.
○ The world opens its doors to the courageous.
○ Passion is the driving force behind success.
○ Continuously challenge yourself to maximize your potential.
○ Our lives are shaped by our thoughts.
○ Failure is a precedent for success.
○ Life is a journey of finding true meaning.
○ Every step, every stride makes a big difference.
○ Failure is an indispensable companion on the road to success.
○ If you believe in yourself, others will believe in you too.
○ If you live today faithfully, you won't naturally have to worry about tomorrow.
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