Hsün-tzu Facts

Chinese philosopher Hsün-tzu (312 BC - 235 BC) was one of the important philosophers of the early Confucian philosopher. He is known for his theory that humanity is basically evil.

Hsün-tzu, or HsünK'uang, is often called HsünCh'ing. The only information about his life comes from a short biography written by historian Sma Chan on "Historical Records". It states that Hsün-tzu comes from Chao, the modern Western Hopei and northern part of Shansi in northern central China.

The first mention of Hsün-tzu was when he reached Ch'i in modern Shandong Province when he was 50 years old. At the moment, "Qi" is one of the major learning centers in China. The dominant family of Qi seized the throne in 386 BC, and he was interested in promoting scholarships to raise the country's reputation. They established a university called Chi-hsia in the capital of Qi and invited the best scholars in this field for research. Hsün-tzu arrived at Ch'i around 264 when Chi-hsia was fading

Apparently he left Ch'i several times and visited Ch'in Province in the west. After a visit he returned to Ch'i-Hün-tzu and found himself in the courtroom for the relationship with Ch'in, perhaps one of Ch'i's enemies. Then, Hsün-tzu traveled to the Ch'u province to the south, where Ch'un-shen's prime minister, the prime minister gave him the rank of the county magistrate of Lanling, a small city in the Minamiyama east ministry. In 238, the lord of the spring and autumn was assassinated, and Schnitsutsu resigned from his job. Hsün-tzu stayed in Lanling and founded a school there. His students include philosopher Han Feizi and future premiere Qin Li. Hsün-tzu died in Lanling about 235 years ago.

Hsün-tzu praises the work of a new work named Hsün Minister originally given the current name Hsün-tzu in the 9th century. Although some of the books are certainly erroneous, even though it is not directly from his hands, many materials seem to be accurate representations of Cixi doctrine. His theory claims that humanity is basically evil, so it can only be good through learning and moral training, so it is very important in the history of Chinese thought. He emphasized the influence of rituals and music as education. Hsün-tzu predicts later authoritarian magistrates like Han Feizi by emphasizing the importance of severely punishing criminals. He particularly tolerated superstition and attacked several religious ceremonies of his time.

For more information on Hsün-tzu's lifetime and ideas, please refer to Homer H. Dubs, Hsüntze: The Ancient Confucism Moulder (1927). What is strongly recommended is Burton Watson, Hsün Tzu: Basic Writings (1963).

The founder of law school is Hsün Tzu or Hsün-tzu. The most important principle in his thinking is that humans are born with evil and tend to be criminal and selfish. Therefore, if humans are allowed to engage in their natural tendencies, the results will be conflict and social confusion. As a solution to this problem, the ancient King of Saints invented morality. Since morality does not exist in nature, the only way for men to act morally is by customs and severe punishment (Lau 120). HsünTzu clearly distinguishes what is related to heaven from those related to humans, like Italian political philosopher Machiavelli. Later lawmakers influenced Chinese political theorists like Tung Chung who thought that the proportion of mathematics in social arrangements was strict.

Hsün-tzu praises the work of a new work named Hsün Minister originally given the current name Hsün-tzu in the 9th century. Although some of the books are certainly erroneous, even though it is not directly from his hands, many materials seem to be accurate representations of Cixi doctrine. His theory claims that humanity is basically evil, so it can only be good through learning and moral training, so it is very important in the history of Chinese thought. He emphasized the influence of rituals and music as education. Hsün-tzu predicts later authoritarian magistrates like Han Feizi by emphasizing the importance of severely punishing criminals. He particularly tolerated superstition and attacked several religious ceremonies of his time.