“The nature of man is evil; his goodness is only acquired training. ”
— Xunzi
Simplified Meaning:
People are not born knowing how to be good; instead, they learn it from others and their experiences. Think about a child who doesn't know right from wrong when they are born—they might take toys from other kids or throw a tantrum if they don't get what they want. Over time, parents, teachers, and friends teach the child how to share, be kind, and control their emotions. It's like planting a seed in the ground—it needs water, sun, and care to grow into a strong, healthy plant. In the same way, humans need guidance and education to grow into good, moral people. So, if you want to become a better person or help others improve, focus on learning good habits and practicing positive behavior.
Related tags
Ethics Evil Goodness Human behavior Human nature Moral philosophy Self-improvement TrainingFEATURED QUOTES