Human nature is what Heaven supplies. – Xun Zi
Therefore, a person should first be changed by a teachers instructions, and guided by principles of ritual. Only then can he observe the rules of courtesy and humility, obey the conventions and rules of society, and achieve order. – Xun Zi
If knowledge and foresight are too penetrating and deep, unify them with ease and sincerity. – Xun Zi
When people lack teachers, their tendencies are not corrected when they do not have ritual and moral principles, then their lawlessness is not controlled. – 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