Human nature refers to what is in people but which they cannot study or work at achieving. – Xun Zi
Since the nature of people is bad, to become corrected they must be taught by teachers and to be orderly they must acquire ritual and moral principles. – Xun Zi
Human nature is evil, and goodness is caused by intentional activity. – Xun Zi
I never had any other desire so strong, and so like covetousness, as that…. I might be master at last of a small house and a large garden, with very moderate conveniences joined to them, and there dedicate the remainder of my life to the culture of them and the study of nature. – Abraham Cowley