Personal Library -- Xunzi

Author: Xunzi (Warring States Period), edited and annotated by Liu Qi
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2004-07-01
Features: The book Xunzi consists of thirty-two chapters, compiled by Liu Xiang during the Han Dynasty. It is generally believed that the first twenty-six chapters were written by Xun Qing himself. This book was compiled by Xun Kuang in his later years to summarize the Hundred Schools of Thought at the time and his own academic ideas. It represents the final summary and integration of the splendid pre-Qin culture. Xunzi synthesized the ideas of the Hundred Schools, widely adopted various perspectives, absorbed the reasonable components of the thoughts of the various schools, and innovatively revitalized Confucianism, making it even more grand and extensive. Xunzi was an important representative of the Confucian school after Mencius. He was highly knowledgeable and profound, one of the most outstanding scholar-types of his time, and had unique insights into the Hundred Schools of Thought. King Xiang of Qi once honored him as his teacher. He served as a high-ranking official three times and became a highly respected figure of his time. He had numerous disciples, some of the most famous being Li Si, Han Feizi, Fu Qiu Bo, and Mao Heng. Xunzi revered ritual and propriety while also advocating for legalism, which clearly reflects the gradual integration of Confucianism and Legalism. Xunzi's thought laid the foundation for the ruling ideology of later millennia—the external Confucianism and internal Legalism, which was the essence of how successive dynasties ruled the state. Historical records state that during Fan Qian's tenure as prime minister of Qin (266–255 BC), Xunzi visited Qin and met King Zhao of Qin. "Ying Hou (Fan Qian) asked Sun Qing, 'What did you see in Qin?' Xunzi replied, 'The land is superior,' 'the people are simple,' 'the officials are disciplined,' 'scholars and officials are knowledgeable and fair,' and 'the court swiftly decides matters without delay,' 'the governance is excellent.'" This vividly expressed his stance. The book Xunzi is like a gentle, erudite old man, tirelessly teaching and eloquently speaking, allowing you to achieve spiritual elevation and mental pleasure in a relaxed atmosphere. It also enables you to quietly reflect, gradually purifying and refining your mind.