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About this quote

What does it mean?
The author explicitly disagrees with Mencius's claim that human nature is inherently good.
In plain terms
The speaker rejects the idea that people are born good.
What can you take from it?
Question assumptions about innate human goodness.

Where it applies

  • philosophical discussion
  • ethical theory
  • debate

Putting it to work

  • challenge accepted theories
  • analyze human behavior
  • study conflicting views

Questions to consider

  • Is human nature good or bad?
  • What evidence supports your view?

Another view

The statement is a bare assertion without supporting argument.

More from Xun Zi

  1. In order to properly understand the big picture, everyone should fear becoming mentally clouded and obsessed with one small section of truth.

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  2. 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?

    Permalink to quote #6

  3. When you locate good in yourself, approve of it with determination. When you locate evil in yourself, despise it as something detestable.

    Permalink to quote #3

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