Human nature is such that people are born with a love of profit If they follow these inclinations, they will struggle and snatch from each other, and inclinations to defer or yield will die.

The rigid cause themselves to be broken; the pliable cause themselves to be bound.

Quarreling over food and drink, having neither scruples nor shame, not knowing right from wrong, not trying to avoid death or injury, not fearful of greater strength or of greater numbers, greedily aware only of food and drink - such is the bravery of the dog and boar.

I once tried thinking for an entire day, but I found it less valuable than one moment of study.

There are successful scholars, public-spirited scholars, upright scholars, cautious scholars, and those who are merely petty men.

Human nature is evil, and goodness is caused by intentional activity.

Mencius said that human nature is good. I disagree with that.