Analysis Of That The Nature Is Evil By Xunzi

In “That the Nature Is Evil” Xunzi provides his readers with an argument that discusses the nature of human beings. His argument begins with the idea that at birth, animals have innate survival instincts. These natural tendencies create a hierarchy within every animals mind. At the top of that hierarchy is the given animal; at the bottom of the hierarchy is every other living being. Xunzi’s argument also holds that the instincts necessary for animals to survive are quite selfish and violent (Bonevac 52). An animal who’s only desire is to survive will ultimately kill and steal from others if it means that he will have a better chance of surviving that day. Eventually, these instincts will fuel further conflict with other animals. In addition,

The communities that people are born into have laws set in stone. All members of each given community follow these decrees. Additionally, breaking these laws results in punishment from external forces such as parents and government (52). When a child does not follow the direction of his parent, the parent acts an external force of discipline. When a man does not follow the laws set by his government, the community punishes him accordingly. Evidently, Xunzi argues that no one enjoys being punished – especially someone whose only desire is to survive. People who do not wish to be punished will do whatever it takes to prevent penalization. Furthermore, Xunzi finds that societies not only punish those who disregard morality, it awards those who conform to the laws it has set (53). The educators that teach the rules of society award the children who follow and respect them. Likewise, parents who notice their children’s good behavior reward them and encourage further virtue. Finally, Xunzi believes that when an individual is punished for acting in accordance with his natural inclinations and promoted for acting in discord with them, he will soon conform to the opposite of his nature. Since the opposite of human nature is virtuosity, Xunzi concludes that humans will artificially conform to it. Ultimately, the “good which humans show is factitious”