Xunzi

Confucian philosopher

Ancient influential 130 sayings

Sayings by Xunzi

If you make people work without rest, they will become exhausted and resentful.

approx. 300 BCE — From his practical philosophy on governance
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

If you do not climb high mountains, you will not know how high the sky is; if you do not descend into deep valleys, you will not know how thick the earth is.

approx. 300 BCE — From his metaphorical teachings about experience
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

When the ruler delights in something, the people will do it to excess.

approx. 300 BCE — From his political philosophy
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The gentleman uses his wealth to spread virtue; the petty man uses his wealth to spread his body.

approx. 300 BCE — From his moral teachings
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

If speech is constantly sweet, then actions will constantly be bitter.

approx. 300 BCE — From his paradoxical statements about words and deeds
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The gentleman does not promote a man because of his words, nor does he reject words because of the man.

approx. 300 BCE — From his teachings on impartial judgment
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

If a man is in error, do not wait for him to come to you; go to him and correct him.

approx. 300 BCE — From his teachings on moral responsibility
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The way to become a gentleman is like refining gold - the more you forge it, the purer it becomes.

approx. 300 BCE — From his metaphorical teachings on self-cultivation
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

Music is joy. The gentleman takes joy in carrying out the Way; the petty man takes joy in carrying out his desires.

approx. 300 BCE — From his philosophy of music and morality
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

Fish forget they are in water; people forget they are in ritual.

approx. 300 BCE — From his paradoxical statement about human nature
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The gentleman is ashamed to have his words exceed his actions.

approx. 300 BCE — From his teachings on integrity
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

If you do not know a man, look at his friends.

approx. 300 BCE — From his practical wisdom
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The gentleman would rather die than commit dishonesty.

approx. 300 BCE — From his extreme moral stance
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

Those who understand ritual are subtle; those who do not understand ritual are gross.

approx. 300 BCE — From his philosophy emphasizing rituals
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The gentleman esteems those qualities in himself that others cannot equal, but he does not expect others to equal those qualities in him.

approx. 300 BCE — From his nuanced teachings about virtue
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The gentleman is broad-minded but not partisan; the petty man is partisan but not broad-minded.

approx. 300 BCE — From his distinction between moral types
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

If a man is not ashamed to ask about what is below his dignity, he is not ashamed to learn what is beneath his understanding.

approx. 300 BCE — From his paradoxical statement about learning
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The gentleman makes things his servants; the petty man is the servant of things.

approx. 300 BCE — From his teachings on self-mastery
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

If you do not speak with a knowledgeable person, you are like a man who tries to walk without feet.

approx. 300 BCE — From his metaphorical teaching about learning
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The ruler is the boat; the common people are the water. The water can support the boat, or the water can capsize the boat.

approx. 300 BCE — From his political philosophy
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable