The qualities of such a person are plentiful. Junzi operates more through action than words. The western ideas associated with gentleman are seen with this person, a junzi is obedient, wise, and loyal. Another idea discussed in Revealing World Religions is the lack of emphasis on social class/financial …show more content…
Mencius believes that bad moral character is cultivated by one’s surroundings - or society. Societies lack of positive influence is what creates those who are ill willed. In terms of his beliefs, he stated, “He who exerts his mind to the utmost knows his nature,” (Chinese Cultural Traditions and Modernization). He also holds the belief that the best way to learn is by finding the lost mind, aka becoming mentally aware of one’s environment and inner nature.
Xunzi’s primary contrast to Mencius is human nature at birth. Xunzi holds the belief that individuals at birth have natural tendencies to act wayward. This is to say act poorly or away from what is right or proper. His beliefs specifically mention individuals unjust love for profit and beauty which can make one subject to jealous or hateful emotion. Additionally, indulging in jealousy, hate, and lust for profits and beauty can lead to the creation of disorder and criminality in society.
In my opinion, I believe that Xunzi’s philosophy is closer to the truth. Take for instance the Menendez brothers, given every material possession one could want, yet still motivated by evil. Although society may worsen what poor behavior is already there, the keyword is already there. I don’t believe that society creates wayward tendencies, but rather individuals are born with