About Xunzi
-313 - -238
Biography
Biography
Xunzi (c. 313-238 BCE), named Kuang with the courtesy name Qing, was from Xun, Zhao State (present-day Anze, Shanxi) during the Warring States period. An important representative of Confucianism and the synthesizer of pre-Qin Confucianism. He served three times as the academic leader of the Jixia Academy in Qi State and later as magistrate of Lanling in Chu State. He was erudite and profound in thought, with deep research into various pre-Qin schools. Han Fei and Li Si were both his students.
Philosophical System
Philosophical System
Xunzi's philosophy centers on the "theory of evil nature," believing human nature is inherently evil and goodness results from education and cultivation. He emphasized "transforming nature through artifice," reforming human nature through education and ritual. He advocated "honoring ritual and emphasizing law," giving equal importance to ritual governance and legal governance. He proposed "separation of heaven and humanity," believing heavenly way and human way each have their own laws. In education, he emphasized "learning and practicing," valuing practice and accumulation. Politically, he advocated monarchical autocracy but required virtuous rulers.
Major Works
Major Works
The Xunzi, consisting of thirty-two chapters including "Encouraging Learning," "Self-Cultivation," "Nothing Indecorous," "Honor and Disgrace," "Against Physiognomy," "Against the Twelve Masters," "Kingly Government," "Enriching the State," etc. The book systematically expounds Xunzi's philosophical, political, and educational thoughts with rigorous writing and powerful arguments, being one of the representative works of pre-Qin philosophical prose.
Historical Significance
Historical Significance
Xunzi was the synthesizer of pre-Qin Confucianism, whose thoughts integrated the essence of Confucian, Legalist, Taoist, and other schools. His "theory of evil nature" contrasted with Mencius' "theory of good nature," enriching Confucian theories of human nature. His students Han Fei and Li Si became representatives of Legalism and important ministers of Qin Dynasty respectively, demonstrating Xunzi's influence. Xunzi's educational thoughts significantly influenced later educational theories.
Cultural Influence
Cultural Influence
Xunzi's thoughts profoundly influenced ancient Chinese education, politics, and philosophy. His "theory of evil nature" provided important reference for later educational theories. The idea of "honoring ritual and emphasizing law" influenced ancient Chinese political systems. In modern times, Xunzi's educational thoughts and theories of human nature still have important theoretical value. His emphasis on practice and accumulation in learning methods still provides inspiration for modern education.
Key Concepts
Key Concepts
Theory of evil nature, transforming nature through artifice, honoring ritual and emphasizing law, separation of heaven and humanity, encouraging learning, kingly government, accumulating goodness to achieve virtue
Quotes by Xunzi
Explore the essence of this wise thinker's thoughts
Without accumulating small steps, one cannot reach a thousand li; without gathering small streams, one cannot form rivers and seas.
不积跬步，无以至千里；不积小流，无以成江海。
Source: Xunzi
If you give up halfway, even rotten wood will not break; if you persevere, even metal and stone can be carved.
锲而舍之，朽木不折；锲而不舍，金石可镂。
Source: Xunzi