Xunzi (荀子) (298 BC ~ 238 BC)

A philosopher of the late Warring States period (戰國時代) in China. His given name was Kuang (況). His courtesy name was Xunqing (荀卿) or Sunqingzi (孫卿子).

He criticized both Zisi and Mencius, arguing that one should return to the original meaning of Confucius. In fact, Xunzi's concept of "Li" (禮) is more legalistic than that of Confucius, and his epistemology is heavily influenced by Daoism. However, for the same reason, he is considered to have critically inherited various schools of thought of the Hundred Schools of Thought, and he is also called the synthesizer of pre-Qin thought. After that, he was recognized as an orthodox Confucian during the Han and Tang dynasties and had a certain influence. However, after Han Yu, a great Confucian scholar of the late Tang dynasty, said that Xunzi's teachings were flawed, he was denied by Confucianism, including Neo-Confucianism. He was re-examined in the Qing dynasty.

His thought is based on the thought of Confucius (孔子), so he emphasized that while he should influence the people with "Ren" (仁), he should also rule by distinguishing social duties according to "Li" (禮). According to the "Li" governance (禮治) he advocated, if the king (junzi) observes the people with a kind heart (仁) and uses the "social order called Li" to divide the nobility and employ talented people, then he can become the king of the world. (Xunzi's kingly rule) However, his disciples, Han Fei and Li Si, argued for a hegemonic rule, saying that the king does not have to act "仁" at all, but by employing talented officials and strictly enforcing the law, the people will follow and the country will become strong and prosperous. Hegemonic rule is criticized as a hypocritical and leisurely method that can only be used in a peaceful and leisurely era, so Legalism is created separately.

○ Even if the road is short, you will not reach it if you do not go. Even if the task is small, it will not be accomplished if you do not do it.

○ A thousand-mile journey is not accomplished without the accumulation of one step, and a river and sea cannot be achieved without the accumulation of a small stream.

○ Achievement lies in not stopping, for if you stop cutting with a knife, even rotten wood will not break, but if you do not stop cutting, you can cut through iron and stone.

○ A swift steed can run a thousand miles a day. A sluggish old horse can also cover a thousand miles if it walks for ten days without rest.

○ A person of integrity is always comfortable and benefits, while a dissolute and violent person is always in danger and suffers harm.

○ To lightly regard death and act violently is the courage of a petty person. To value death and hold righteousness, and not be rash, is the courage of a gentleman.

○ Whoever advises me and points out my flaws appropriately is a person I should respect as my teacher.

○ No sound is too small to be heard, and no action is too hidden to be revealed.

○ If you do good and do not accumulate evil, how can your reputation not be enhanced?

○ Human nature is evil. It must be changed through education and discipline.

○ Moral education can make people better.

○ Reason and morality play an important role in regulating people's behavior.

○ Life is a process of change and harmony.

○ There is no end to learning.

○ Success is not just about achieving goals, but about inner growth.

○ Understanding yourself is controlling yourself.

○ Youth has value only when it is used well.

○ Maintaining peace of mind is the beginning of wisdom.

○ The world opens its doors to those who are courageous.

○ Passion is the driving force behind success.

○ Challenge yourself constantly to maximize your potential.

○ Our lives are shaped by our thoughts.

○ Failure is a precedent for success.

○ Life is a journey to find true meaning.

○ Every step makes a big difference.

○ Failure is an indispensable companion on the road to success.

○ You must believe in yourself for others to believe in you.

○ If you live today faithfully, you will not naturally worry about tomorrow.