When Heaven and Earth combine, all things are born; when Yin and Yang interact, transformations arise; when nature and artifice harmonize, the world is governed. Heaven can give life but cannot distinguish things; Earth can support life but cannot govern people; all things in the universe and the human race await the Sage to bring order. (*Xunzi, Li Lun*)
In labor, people strive to be first; in abundance and pleasure, they learn to yield. Being honest and sincere, adhering to principles and being careful, one can travel the world and be respected by all, even in hardship.
To sacrifice life to preserve life is called Mo; to sacrifice life for death is called confusion; to kill for life is called a bandit. To balance life and death such that they are appropriate and favor goodness is the rule of ritual and righteousness; this is the way of the Confucian. (*Xunzi, Li Lun*)
Therefore, when the raw material is stretched, arrows and bows arrive; when the forest grows thick, axes and adzes arrive; when trees provide shade, birds rest there.
Humans possess breath, life, and wisdom, as well as righteousness; therefore, they are most precious under heaven.
Without ritual, humans cannot survive; without ritual, affairs cannot succeed; without ritual, a state cannot be at peace.
If the mind is distracted, one loses wisdom; if it is inclined, one loses precision; if it is divided, one becomes doubtful. By following this logic, all things can be known. If one exhausts their essence, they achieve greatness; as one cannot be in two places, the wise man chooses and remains steadfast. (*Xunzi, Jie Bi*)
Accumulation of soil creates mountains, and rain and wind arise; accumulation of water creates depths, and dragons dwell; accumulation of virtue creates divine wisdom, and the Sage's heart is complete.
He who leads others with goodness is called teaching; he who harmonizes with others through goodness is called following; he who leads others with evil is called flattery; he who harmonizes with others through evil is called deception.
Select the worthy and upright, promote the respectful, encourage filial piety, care for orphans and widows, and assist the poor. If this is done, the common people will be at peace with governance, and then the gentlemen will be secure in their positions. As it is said: "The ruler is the boat, and the people are the water. The water can carry the boat, but it can also overturn it." (*Xunzi, Wang Zhi*; *The Book of History*)
A gentleman promotes learning and fosters friendship to prevent enmity.