Xunzi's Philosophy of Human Nature

Xunzi: Human Nature and the Importance of Ritual

Introduction to Xunzi

  • Xunzi (4th-3rd century BCE): Early Chinese philosopher.
  • Follower of Confucius.
  • Best known for his view that human nature is bad.
  • Criticized Mengzi (Mencius), who believed human nature is good.

Mengzi's View of Human Nature

  • Mengzi: Human beings have inborn dispositions that can grow into goodness.
  • Analogy: Sprouts that grow with water, sun, fertile soil, and human effort.
  • Conditions for growth: secure environment, ethical education, personal effort.
  • Compassion can be developed into goodness.

Xunzi's Opposing View

  • Diametrically opposed to Mengzi.
  • Human beings are born with:
    • Fondness for profit.
    • Hatred and dislike of others.
    • Desires for sensual pleasure.
  • Following our nature leads to destructive conflict.
  • "Human nature is bad" means our natural tendencies lead to chaos.

The Role of Intelligence and Sages

  • Human beings can think and judge their feelings and desires.
  • Intelligence can transform tendencies towards chaos into harmony and beauty.
  • Sages realized that acting naturally leads to self-destruction.
  • Sages created ideas of right and wrong to curb desires and require consideration of others.

The Importance of Rituals

  • Sages created customs called "rituals."
  • Rituals train us to respect others and be grateful.
  • Example: Village drinking ceremony.
    • Everyone drinks from one cup in order of seniority.
    • Teaches deference to elders.
    • Reinforces unity and interdependence.

Rituals of Mourning

  • Special importance on mourning and burial rituals for deceased parents.
  • Expresses gratitude for the gift of life and nurturing.

Metaphor of the Craftsman

  • Xunzi's metaphor: Human beings are craftsmen fashioning themselves.
  • We are like potters turning lumpy clay into beautiful vessels.
  • Sages provide the instruments: ideas of right and wrong, and rituals.

The Problem of Transforming Bad Nature

  • How can we become good when we start with bad desires (profit, hatred, pleasure)?
  • Some natural impulses are strengthened through ritual.

Natural Impulses Toward Kin

  • All creatures love members of their own kind.
  • They grieve over the loss of mates.
  • Examples:
    • Birds.
    • Elephants grieving for dead family members.

Conclusion

  • Xunzi recognizes both bad motivations and impulses that tie us together.
  • Rituals (village drinking, mourning) strengthen positive motivations.
  • Human motivations are complex and conflicted.
  • We must craft ourselves to restrain bad motivations and strengthen motivations that allow us to harmonize with each other.