Xunzi

The Xunzi is a collection of writings attributed to Xunzi, a prominent Confucian philosopher who lived during the late Warring States period in ancient China.

Unlike Mencius, who emphasized the inherent goodness of human nature, Xunzi argued that human nature is inherently selfish and prone to disorder.

He believed that moral cultivation is essential for achieving social harmony and that this cultivation must come through rigorous self-discipline and adherence to social norms and rituals.

Xunzi's philosophy emphasizes the importance of education, law, and social institutions in shaping human behavior and maintaining social order.

His work offers a more pragmatic and less idealistic perspective on Confucianism than Mencius, highlighting the challenges of achieving moral perfection in a world of imperfect human beings.