17. Xunzi: Xunzi
A Sourcebook in Global Philosophy - Mohammed Rustom
Winnie Sung [+]
Nanyang Technological University
Description
Xunzi (d. ca. 215BCE) was born in the state of Zhao in ancient China, somewhere around the present-day Hebei or Shanxi provinces. Widely regarded alongside Confucius and Mencius as one of the most important thinkers in the Confucian tradition, he is said to have pursued his studies at the Jixia Academy in the state of Qi. There he was exposed to rigorous intellectual exchanges between thinkers from different persuasions. Xunzi is believed to be the main author of the text bearing his name, Xunzi, with some parts edited by his students. Although Xunzi proclaimed himself to be a follower of Confucius’s teaching and defended key elements of the Confucian tradition in his work, he harshly criticized Mencius’s view that human nature is good. Xunzi argues that human nature is bad and, if followed, will lead to disorder. Xunzi suggests that the heart/mind naturally prefers what benefits the self. Since following the heart/mind will lead to social disorder, education is essential to teaching the Way to the heart/mind. It is only when the heart/mind makes decisions that are in accordance with the Way that there will be order.