Xunzis Theory of Human Nature and His “Emptiness, Unity, and Stillness” Psychology

Abstract

Xunzi (C.310-219 B.C.E) is the one of great early Confucian thinkers. In the history of ancient Chinese theory and literary, he is undoubtedly a master of character. Many of his thoughts contain profound reflections on psychology, ethics, society and politics. Although his theory is not accepted by the two thousand years of feudal regime, but its influence was very large. So Tan Sitong (1865-1898), an eminent Chinese revolutionist in the late Qing Dynasty who was in support of liberal reform, said that “Chinese culture in two thousand years is Xunzi’s theory ”. Unfortunately, in the history of Chinese thought, Xunzi has been treated unfairly. Scholars tend to emphasis on researching Mencius and other philosophers of Si-Meng School, respected Mencius but belittled Xunzi. Xunzi and his theory have been neglected for a long time. In the 20 century, with the revival of studying Confucianism, scholars started to focus on it, but compared to the research of Confucius, Mencius and other traditional Confucian, researches are still not enough. This is inconsistent with the contribution of Xunzi, because some of his theories are very insightful, especially his psychology. My study of his Psychology will begin with a review of his ethnics and moral philosophy, then talk about his psychology theory, as emptiness, unity, and stillness about human mind. 2 Xing(human nature)