"Simple in Nature"and"Innate Evil":The Theory of Human Nature in Xunzi's Thoughts on Rites and Music
The concepts of"innate evil"and"simple in nature"in Xunzi's theory of human nature are not contradictory or opposing categories.They represent the dual attributes of individuals:the innate qualities and the socially acquired traits.Together,these two aspects construct the organic structure of Xunzi's theory of human nature from both individual and social perspectives.As an innate natural attribute,"simple in nature"cannot be altered through"transformation";it can only be influenced externally by"rites and music",as social institutional norms,to prevent it from developing towards the trend of"innate evil"in later social practices.Thus,"transforming nature to create falsehood"targets the social attribute of"innate evil"that arises from the natural attribute of"simple in nature"in social relations and practical activities.Rites and music,as an educational means,enable individuals with natural attributes to undergo social transformation,promoting a shift from"evil"to"good",thereby achieving the political ideal of"distinguishing differences through rites and harmonizing through music"on a societal level.
simple in natureinnate eviltransforming nature to create falsehoodXunzi
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