Human nature refers to what is in people but which they cannot study or work at achieving. – Xun Zi
Quarreling over food and drink, having neither scruples nor shame, not knowing right from wrong, not trying to avoid death or injury, not fearful of greater strength or of greater numbers, greedily aware only of food and drink – such is the bravery of the dog and boar. – Xun Zi
If knowledge and foresight are too penetrating and deep, unify them with ease and sincerity. – Xun Zi
In order to properly understand the big picture, everyone should fear becoming mentally clouded and obsessed with one small section of truth. – Xun Zi
Nature is sanative, refining, elevating. How cunningly she hides every wrinkle of her inconceivable antiquity under roses, and violets, and morning dew! Every inch of the mountains is scarred by unimaginable convulsions, yet the new day is purple with the bloom of youth and love. – Ralph Waldo Emerson, “Progress of Culture”