In order to properly understand the big picture, everyone should fear becoming mentally clouded and obsessed with one small section of truth.
Xun KuangRead
A person is born with desires of the eyes and ears, and a liking for beautiful sights and sounds. If he gives way to them, they will lead him to immorality and lack of restriction, and any ritual principles and propriety will be abandoned.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote warns against being led by our sensory desires, suggesting that unchecked desires can lead to moral decay.
Xun Kuang's quote highlights the inherent desires that every person is born with, particularly those related to sight and sound. He cautions that if individuals succumb to these desires without restraint, it could result in a failure to adhere to moral principles and traditional values, ultimately leading to immorality. This philosophical perspective emphasizes the importance of self-discipline and the dangers of unbridled indulgence in sensory pleasures.
Themes
DesiresMoralitySelf-DisciplineSensoryRestraint
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about the importance of self-control, one might use this quote to illustrate the dangers of hedonism.
More from Xun Kuang
All quotes →If there were no human nature, then there would be nothing for deliberate effort to be applied to. If there were no deliberate effort, then human nature would not be able to beautify itself.
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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.
Xun KuangRead
Pride and excess bring disaster for man.
Xun KuangRead
The petty man is eager to make boasts, yet desires that others should believe in him. He enthusiastically engages in deception, yet wants others to have affection for him. He conducts himself like an animal, yet wants others to think well of him.
Xun KuangRead
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