Xunzi:

The sage accumulates thoughts and ideas. He practices to achieve mastery for himself, and then applies this mastery to benefit others.

— Xunzi Ancient

Confucian philosopher

From his writings on wisdom

approx. 300 BCE

Verification

Unverifiable

Found in 1 providers: deepseek

Cross Reference

1 source

"The petty man is sure to be deceitful."

"The gentleman is firm but not stubborn."

"The wise man does not lament the past, but plans for the future."

"The nature of man is like a warped piece of wood—it must be steamed and bent before it can be made straight."

"A horse that has been broken can be ridden; a man who has been taught can be employed."