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"There are successful scholars, public-spirited scholars, upright scholars, cautious scholars, and those who are merely petty men."
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"Many men are contemptuous of riches; few can give them away."
"I have found men to be more kind than I expected, and less just."
Explore more quotes by Xun Zi
"When you concentrate on agriculture and industry and are frugal in expenditures, Heaven cannot impoverish your state."
"The petty man is eager to make boasts, yet desires that others should believe in him. He enthusiastically engages in deception, yet wants others to have affection for him. He conducts himself like an animal, yet wants others to think well of him."
"A person is born with desires of the eyes and ears, and a liking for beautiful sights and sounds. If he gives way to them, they will lead him to immorality and lack of restriction, and any ritual principles and propriety will be abandoned."
"Therefore, a person should first be changed by a teacher's 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."
"If the impulse to daring and bravery is too fierce and violent, stay it with guidance and instruction."
"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?"
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