性恶 – Chinese philosophy and culture

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xìng’è 性恶

Human Nature Is Evil.

荀子提出的一种人性论观点。荀子所言人性,指人天生所具有的属性,包括身体的生命特征及各种欲望、知觉等。如果仅仅因循于人性中所包含的对外物的欲求,就会导致人与人之间的纷争,社会将陷入混乱。而维系社会秩序所必需的道德,并非出自人的本性,而是后天人为塑造的结果。

This view was proposed by Xunzi. According to him, human nature, which refers to proprieties humans naturally possess, includes physical life as well as various desires and perceptions. If people are allowed to only follow desire for external things, which is something inherent in human nature, it will lead to conflicts, and the society will fall into chaos. Moral conduct which is vital for maintaining order in society does not derive from human nature. Rather, it is acquired through deliberate efforts.

引例 Citations:

◎人之性恶,其善者伪也。(《荀子·性恶》)

(人的本性中只具有为恶的成分,人的善行都是后天人为的。)

Human nature is evil, while a good conduct is always acquired. (Xunzi)

◎今人之性恶,必将待师法然后正,得礼义然后治。(《荀子·性恶》)

(今人的本性中只具有为恶的成分,必须要依赖师长的教化而后才能端正,有礼义的约束而后才能安定。)

As human nature is evil, it must be corrected with moral teaching. Human nature can only be reined in with rites and righteousness. (Xunzi)

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