Single Idea 23406

[catalogued under 23. Ethics / C. Virtue Theory / 2. Elements of Virtue Theory / d. Teaching virtue]

Full Idea

Rituals and standards of righteousness and proper models and measures are produced from the deliberate efforts of the sage; they are not produced from people's nature.

Gist of Idea

Rituals don't arise from human nature; they are the deliberate creations of a sage

Source

Xunzi (Xun Kuang) (The Xunzi [c.250 BCE], 23), quoted by Bryan van Norden - Intro to Classical Chinese Philosophy 10.III

Book Reference

Norden,Bryan van: 'Intro to Classical Chinese Philosophy' [Hackett 2011], p.169


A Reaction

This is not to say that the sage is not in tune with nature. Human nature is often seen as a sprouting seed, which needs careful husbandry to bring out its best.