Xun zi vs mencius biography

Chinese Confucian philosopher (c. – after BCE)

This article is close by the Chinese philosopher. For ruler eponymous text, see Xunzi (book).

Xunzi
Imaginary portrait of Xunzi, Qing dynasty (–), Palace Museum
Born	c.&#;&#;BCE Zhao, Zhou dynasty (present-day Shanxi)
Died	After c.&#;&#;BCE Chu, Zhou dynasty
Era	Hundred Schools of Thought
Region	Chinese philosophy
School	Confucianism
Notable students	Han Fei, Li Si
Main interests	Ritual(li), human nature, education, theme, heaven, Tao, rectification of names
Chinese	荀況
Hanyu Pinyin	Xún Kuàng
Traditional&#;Chinese	荀子
Simplified&#;Chinese	荀子
Hanyu Pinyin	Xúnzǐ

Xunzi (lit.&#;'Master Xun'; c.&#;&#;– c.&#;after &#;BCE), born Xun Kuang, was a Chinese athenian of Confucianism during the swindle Warring States period.

After her highness predecessors Confucius and Mencius, Xunzi is often ranked as blue blood the gentry third great Confucian philosopher find antiquity. By his time, Confucianism had suffered considerable criticism go over the top with Taoist and Mohist thinkers, duct Xunzi is traditionally regarded whereas a synthesizer of these jurisprudence with earlier Confucian thought.

Rank result was a thorough streak cohesive revision of Confucianism, which was crucial to the philosophy's ability to flourish in leadership Han dynasty and throughout glory later history of East Collection. His works were compiled surprise the eponymous Xunzi, and subsist in excellent condition. Unlike mocker ancient compilations, his authorship heed these texts is generally determined, though it is likely go Western Han dynasty historian Liu Xiang organized them into their present form centuries after Xunzi's death.^[2]

Born in the state discovery Zhao, Xunzi studied at righteousness prestigious Jixia Academy, where bankruptcy learned about every major profound tradition of his time.

Care his graduation, Xunzi traveled address Chu where he mastered song, and then returned to Qi as a highly regarded educator at the academy. His grade Han Fei and Li Si each had important political highest academic careers, though some take in their Legalist sentiments were look down at odds with his philosophy. Subsequent students such as Fuqiu Bo&#;[zh], Zhang Cang and Mao Heng&#;[zh] authored important editions and commentaries on the Confucian classics.

Succeeding in his life, Xunzi served in the court of Peer Chunshen and died sometime make something stand out Lord Chunshen's death. The immovable warfare of his time hip his work profoundly, as exact his interactions with leaders soar witnessing the downfall of a variety of states.

Xunzi's writings respond admonition dozens of other thinkers, whom he often directly names post criticizes.

His well-known notion prowl "Human nature is evil" has led many commentators to set him opposite of Mencius, who believed human nature was radically good. Though like Mencius, Xunzi believed that education and communion were the key to self-education and thus the method withstand circumvent one's naturally foul nature.^[4] His definition of both concepts was loose, and he pleased lifelong education and applied ceremony to every aspect of beast.

Other important topics include representation promotion of music and magnanimity careful application of names. Notwithstanding he still cited the antique sages, he differed from following Confucian philosophers by his urgency on emulating recent rulers to some extent than those of long ago.^[4]

Repeated oversimplifications and misunderstandings on Xunzi's teachings, particularly his view clash human nature, led to gentle dismissal and condemnation of queen thought from the Tang gens onwards.

By the rise outline Neo-Confucianism in the 10th c Mencius gradually upended Xunzi, distinctively by the choice to incorporate the Mencius in the Quaternity Books. Since the 20th hundred, a reevaluation of Xunzi's tenet has taken place in Oriental Asia, leading to recognition fairhaired his profound impact and appropriateness to both his times don present day.

Sources and context

Detailed advice concerning Xunzi is largely inoperative.

Yet when compared to justness scarcity of knowledge for assorted other ancient Chinese philosophers, concerning is meaningful and significant remaining information on the life fine Xunzi. The sinologist John Swivel. Knoblock asserts that the cornucopia available "permit not only boss reconstruction of the outlines influence career but also an insight of his intellectual development".

Xunzi's writings have survived in expressly good condition, and while they provide biographical details, the genuineness of this information is every now questionable.^[a] In addition to these, the main source for Xunzi's life is Sima Qian's Shiji (史記; Records of the Remarkable Historian), which includes a history of Xunzi (SJ, –14) increase in intensity mentions of him in depiction biographies of both Li Si (SJ, ) and Lord rot Chunshen (SJ, –2, 14).^[b] Decency Western Han dynasty historian Liu Xiang revised and expanded Sima Qian's initial biography for authority preface of the first copy of Xunzi's writings.

Some little references to Xunzi also endure in Ying Shao's paraphrase have a high regard for Liu Xiang's preface, as adequately as brief mentions in magnanimity Han Feizi, Zhan Guo Ce and Yantie Lun.^[c]

The Warring States period (c.&#;– BCE), an best of immense disunity and campaigning, had been raging for bargain a hundred years by description time of Xunzi's birth tenuous the late 4th century BCE.

Yet this time also adage considerable innovations in Chinese epistemology, referred to as the Loads Schools of Thought. The pre-eminent schools were Confucianism, Daoism, Legalism, Mohism, the School of Take advantage of, and the Yin–Yang School. Xunzi was a philosopher in position tradition of Confucianism, begun spawn Confucius who lived over combine centuries before him.

Life and career

Youth and time in Qi (c.

–)

Xunzi was born as Xun Kuang (荀況), probably around BCE but certainly before BCE. Detainee his time, he was most likely known as Xun Qing (荀卿), meaning 'Minister Xun', or 'Chamberlain Xun', after his later rebel. Some texts give his person's name as Sun (孫) instead cut into Xun, though this may imitate been to avoid naming inhibition during the reign of Nymphalid Xuan of Han (73–48 BCE), whose given name was Xun.^[d] He is best known soak his honorary title Xunzi (荀子) translated to 'Master Xun', drag zi being a common traducement for important philosophers.

His cot was Zhao, a state put in the modern-day Shanxi Province engage in north-central China. It is doable Xunzi was descended from loftiness Xun family, an elite dynasty that had diminished following rectitude Partition of Jin, though that is only speculation. The Get one\'s bearings Han dynasty historian Ying Shao records that in his adolescence Xunzi was a "flowering talent" in matters of scholarship existing academics.

Essentially nothing else evenhanded known of Xunzi's background ambience upbringing, and thus any attempts to connect his philosophy obey either topic are futile.

Sometime in the middle of age 13 and 15 ( and BCE), Xunzi traveled colloquium the north eastern state rule Qi.^[e] There he attended magnanimity Jixia Academy, which was position most important philosophical center put it to somebody Ancient China, established by Dyed-in-the-wool Xuan.

At the academy, Xunzi would have learned about try to make an impression the major philosophical schools asset his time, and been take away the presence of scholars much as Zou Yan, Tian Pian, and Chunyu Kun. Xunzi would have learned the art make famous shuo (說), a formal wrangle of persuasion that philosophical government of the time used envision advise rulers.

After his institution study, Xunzi unsuccessfully attempted criticize persuade Lord Mengchang against eternal the extreme policies of Qi, though the historicity of that event is not certain. Provision the exchange, which is after recounted in his writings, Xunzi likely left Qi between become calm BCE.

Stay in Chu and reappear to Qi (c.

–)

Xunzi tour to the southern state clamour Chu by BCE, where oversight probably became acquainted with greatness nascent forms of the fu poetry style, particularly because designate the poet's Qu Yuan people\'s home there. Xunzi achieved considerable skilfulness in the art, and circlet now-lost book of poems was well-regarded for many centuries.

Chu was under especially frequent attacks from the Qin state, rumour which Xunzi would later identify in a conversation with Li Si. The solidity of Chu decreased so rapidly that Xunzi left around BCE, returning quality the more stable Qi repair. He was warmly welcomed put away in Qi, and held inlet very high-regard as an point of view.

The Shiji records that Troublesome Xiang of Qi had Xunzi sacrifice wine three times, practised task that was reserved show off the most respected scholar accessible. The eminence at which appease was held suggests that Xunzi became the head of distinction Jixia Academy, but he laboratory analysis known to have taught about regardless.

It was at that time that Xunzi composed wellknown of his most important erudite works, namely the chapters "Of Honor and Disgrace", "Of Kings and the Lords-Protector", "Discourse canon Nature", "Discourse on Music", remarkable "Man's Nature is Evil".

In tiara time, Xunzi was called "the most revered of teachers" (zui wei laoshi; 最爲老師).^[2] His greatest famous pupils were Han Fei and Li Si, each who would have important political snowball academic careers.

Xunzi's association suitable Li Si, the future Head of government (or Prime Minister) of dignity Qin dynasty would later stain his reputation.^[28] Other students be more or less his included Fuqiu Bo&#;[zh], Zhang Cang and Mao Heng&#;[zh], every bit of of whom authored important editions and commentaries on the Believer classics.

The timeline for potentate academy teaching is unclear, although he seemed to have alleged other posts after being slandered. He left Qi in escort BCE, around the time conj at the time that King Jian succeeded Xiang.

Travels jaunt later career (c. –&#;after )

Xunzi's writings suggest that after exit Qi he visited Qin, god willing from BCE to BCE. Subside aimed to convert the state's leaders to follow his position of leadership, a task which proved difficult because of rendering strong hold that Shang Yang's Legalist sentiments had there.

Worry a conversation with the Qin official Fan Sui, Xunzi perpetual much of the state's achievements, officials and governmental organizations. Importunate, Xunzi found issues with illustriousness state, primarily its lack grapple Confucian scholars and the grumble it inspires, which Xunzi presumed would result in the nearby states uniting up against.

Xunzi then met with King Zhaoxiang, arguing that Qin's lack finance Confucian scholars and educational incitement would be detrimental to greatness state's future. The king was unconvinced by Xunzi's persuasion, move did not offer him copperplate post in his court.

In ensemble BCE, Xunzi returned to coronate native Zhao, where he debated military affairs with Lord Linwu (臨武君) in the court method King Xiaocheng of Zhao.

Earth remained in Zhao until c.&#; BCE.

In BCE Lord Chunshen, significance prime minister of Chu, invitational him to take a trend as Magistrate of Lanling (蘭陵令), which he initially refused flourishing then accepted. However, Lord Chunshen was assassinated In BCE hard a court rival and Xunzi subsequently lost his position.

Sharp-tasting retired, remained in Lanling, expert region in what is today's southern Shandong province, for justness rest of his life topmost was buried there. The origin of his death is unnamed, though if he lived come within reach of see the ministership of emperor student Li Si, as recounted, he would have lived insert his nineties, dying shortly afterwards BCE.

Philosophy

Human nature –&#;xing

The best situate and most cited section footnote the Xunzi is chapter 23, "Human Nature is Evil".

Human being nature, known as xing (性), was a topic which Philosopher commented on somewhat ambiguously, going much room for later philosophers to expand upon. Xunzi does not appear to know look at Shang Yang, but can reproduction compared with him. While Dynasty Yang believed that people were selfish, Xunzi believed that humanity's inborn tendencies were evil focus on that ethical norms had antediluvian invented to rectify people.

Her majesty variety of Confucianism therefore has a darker, more pessimistic savor than the optimistic Confucianism round Mencius, who tended to fair humans as innately good. Liking most Confucians, however, he accounted that people could be delicate through education and ritual.

Now, because human nature is evil, concentrate must await the instructions considerate a teacher and the principle before it can be support aright, and it must hire ritual principles and a infer of moral right before have over can become orderly.

—&#;Xunzi, period 23b: "Human Nature is Evil"

Both Mencius and Xunzi believed bind human nature and both estimated it was possible to move better, but some people refused it. Mencius saw Xing hoot more related to an archangel state and Xunzi saw bowels more as a starting state.

Even though Mencius had already athletic when the book was certain, the chapter is written lack a conversation between the shine unsteadily philosophers.

Xunzi's ideas about toadying a good person were mega complex than Mencius's. He held that people needed to succeed in their nature, not just cooperation up on it. Some folks thought Xunzi's ideas were peculiar, but new discoveries suggest walk it might have actually antiquated Mencius who had unusual substance about human nature.

The chapter crack called "Human Nature is Evil," but that's not the integral story.

Xunzi thought that construct could improve themselves by inborn good habits and manners, which he called "artifice." (偽) Subside believed that people needed agree to transform their nature to grow good. This could be through by learning from a fellow and following rituals and morals.

Even though some people doubt take as read the chapter is real, it's an important part of Xunzi's philosophy.

People still talk fairly accurate it today and think go up in price the differences between Xunzi distinguished Mencius's ideas about human properties and how to become splendid better person.

Xunzi only stated turn this way the "heart" can observe evenhanded, that is, it can discriminate between right and wrong, good thing and evil,^[44] but it wreckage not the source of sagacity.

So where does the not up to scratch come from? According to Xunzi's theory of evil human globe, morality will ultimately become span tool of external value tatty to maintain social stability crucial appeal to authoritarianism. Mencius' hypothesis of good human nature, mark down the other hand, states focus humans are inherently good take up we have an internal cap foundation (the Four Beginnings).

Music – yue

Music is discussed here and there in the Xunzi, particularly in crutch 20, the "Discourse on Music" (Yuelun; 樂論). Much of righteousness Xunzi's sentiments on music watchdog directed towards Mozi, who remarkably disparaged music. Mozi held make certain music provides no basic inevitably and is a waste magnetize resources and money.

Xunzi charity a comprehensive argument in aspiring leader, stating that certain music provides joy, which is indeed certain to human wellbeing. Music take joy are respectively translated bring in yue and le, and their connection in Xunzi's time hawthorn explain why both words allotment the same Chinese character: 樂. Xunzi also points out rendering use of music for group harmony:

故樂在宗廟之中，君臣上下同聽之，則莫不和敬；閨門之內，父子兄弟同聽之，則莫不和親；鄉里族長之中，長少同聽之，則莫不和順。
Hence, when penalisation is performed within the inheritable temple, lord and subject, revitalization and low, listen to position music together and are coalesced in feelings of reverence.

While in the manner tha music is played in nobleness private quarters of the habitation, father and son, elder boss younger brother, listen to hose down together and are united rip open feelings of close kinship. What because it is played in city meetings or clan halls, brace and young listen to nobleness music together and are wedded conjugal in obedience.

—&#;Xunzi, chapter "Discourse on Music"

Many commentators have eminent the similarities between the motive for Xunzi's promotion of penalty and those of ancient Grecian philosophers.

Gentleman –&#;junzi

Ultimately, he refused attack admit theories of state come first administration apart from ritual flourishing self-cultivation, arguing for the valet, rather than the measurements promoted by the Legalists, as influence wellspring of objective criterion.

Rulership ideal gentleman (junzi) king impressive government, aided by a collection of learned Confucian scholars, briefing similar to that of Mencius, but without the tolerance make out feudalism since he rejected inborn titles and believed that image individual's status in the group hierarchy should be determined one by their own merit.

Modern editions

• Xunzi (Xun Kuang) ().

  The Entirety of Hsüntze. Translated by Dubs, Homer. London: Arthur Probsthain. Reprinted (), Taipei: Chengwen.

• &#;&#; (). Hsün Tzu: Basic Writings. Translated descendant Watson, Burton. New York: University University Press. ISBN&#;. OCLC&#;
• &#;&#; (–). Xunzi: A Translation and Read of the Complete Works.

  Translated by Knoblock, John. Stanford: University University Press.

  • &#;&#; (). Xunzi: Clean up Translation and Study of ethics Complete Works. Vol.&#;I: Books 1–6. Translated by Knoblock, John. Stanford: Stanford University Press.
  • &#;&#; (). Xunzi: A Translation and Study blond the Complete Works.

    Vol.&#;II: Books 7– Translated by Knoblock, Bathroom. Stanford: Stanford University Press.

  • &#;&#; (). Xunzi: A Translation and Bone up on of the Complete Works. Vol.&#;III: Books 17– Translated by Knoblock, John. Stanford: Stanford University Press.
• &#;&#; ().

  Xunzi: The Complete Text. Translated by Hutton, Eric. Princeton: Princeton University Press. doi/6wq19b. S2CID&#;

• &#;&#; (). Good Beyond Evil: Xunzi on Human Nature. Translated by virtue of Hu, Mingyuan. London and Paris: Hermits United. ISBN&#;.

References

Notes

Citations

Sources

Books and chapters

Journal bear encyclopedia articles

• Cheng, Linsun () []. "Hundred Schools of Thought". Berkshire Encyclopedia of China.

  Great Barrington: Berkshire Publishing Group. ISBN&#;.(subscription required)

• Cook, Scott (). "Xun Zi belt Ritual and Music". Monumenta Serica. 45: 1– doi/ JSTOR&#;
• Goldin, Thankless R. (6 July ). "Xunzi". Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy. Stanford: Stanford University.
• Knoblock, John H.

  (–). "The Chronology of Xunzi's Works". Early China. 8. Cambridge Establishing Press: 29– doi/S JSTOR&#; S2CID&#;

• Manson, William C. (). "Incipient Island Bureaucracy and Its Ideological Rationale: The Confucianism of Hsün Tzŭ". Dialectical Anthropology. 12 (3): – doi/BF JSTOR&#; S2CID&#;
• Robins, Dan (13 February ).

  "Xunzi". Stanford Cyclopedia of Philosophy. Stanford: Stanford University.

• Sung, Winnie (27 June ) [8 June ]. "Xunzi". Oxford Bibliographies: Chinese Studies. Oxford: Oxford Doctrine Press. doi/OBO/(subscription required)
• Wang Keping (). "Mozi Versus Xunzi on Music". Journal of Chinese Philosophy.

  36 (4): – doi/jx.

• "Xunzi &#; Asian philosopher". Encyclopædia Britannica. Chicago: Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc. 9 June
• Pines, Yuri (). "Legalism in Asian Philosophy". In Zalta, Edward N.; Nodelman, Uri (eds.). Stanford Wordbook of Philosophy (Summer &#;ed.).

  Retrieved 19 February

Further reading

See Vocal and Knoblock , pp.&#;– suggest extensive bibliographies

External links