Xunzi

Xunzi, born around 313 BCE and passing circa 238 BCE, was a significant Chinese philosopher of the Warring States period. He is most famous for his work "Xunzi," a comprehensive text comprising essays that outline his philosophies on human nature, ethics, and governance. Unlike Mencius, Xunzi believed that human nature is inherently selfish and that moral values must be cultivated through education and ritual. He served as a high official in the state of Chu, where he played a pivotal role in the intellectual discourse of his time. Xunzi's notable achievements include his clear articulation of the importance of ritual in maintaining social order and his influence on the development of Legalism through his students, such as Han Feizi. His rigorous analysis of Confucian thought laid the groundwork for many later intellectual developments in Chinese philosophy.