Research On Xunzi's Thought Of "Learning" To "Become An Adult

"Learning" and "human perfection" are two important categories in Xunzi’s philosophical thought,and the idea of "learning" is closely related to his idea of "human perfection".In Xunzi’s discussion of "learning",the inner purpose is also to "learn" in order to "become perfect person",and the process of "learning" cannot be separated from the process of "becoming perfect person".And the "learning" to "become perfect person" is "rites".Xunzi said: "learning is to learn the rites".Learning can not be separated from the rites,if not the rites,it is not clear to learn.At present,there are relatively few results in the academic field that systematically study Xunzi’s "learning" to "become perfect person" with the support of "rites",so it is worthwhile for us to further explore and sort out.The first chapter focuses on the theoretical basis of Xunzi’s "learning" in order to "become perfect person".First of all,to become perfect person is to learn,and only when learning is comprehensive and pure can one be called perfect,i.e.,it is by learning that one can cultivate perfect virtue and conduct.In other words,it is by "learning" that we can cultivate perfect virtue,and then have internal stability and external adaptability,so that we can have a truly perfect personality and be called "human perfection".What is learning? Xunzi’s "learning" firstly points to "rites",and "learning" is learning rites.Xunzi believes that ritual has the lofty status of moral law,and one must learn ritual in life,never leaving the context of "ritual" and talking about "learning" in vain.Secondly,Xunzi’s "theory of original evil of human nature" is the basis of humanism for "learning" to "become perfect person",and it is also the necessary place for learning.In other words,it is because human nature is evil that the necessity of learning is highlighted,and human nature is evil to be corrected by rituals,so it is necessary to learn rituals in order to correct human nature and realize "human perfection".Finally,There are two aspects of the "separation and combination of nature and wei(伪)" and the "nature can be transformed" offer the possibility of "learning" in order to "become perfect person".What "separation of nature and wei(伪)" means that human nature has the potential for goodness only through acquired learning;what "combination of nature and wei(伪)" indicates is that human beings have the potential for goodness.The "nature can be transformed" provides the opportunity to realize the combination of nature and wei(伪),and there is the possibility of "become perfect person" through learning,but acquired artificial differences caused by the ordinary people are not necessarily for Yu(禹).It is the combination of these two factors that makes learning to become perfect person possible.Chapter two systematically describes the way of learning,i.e.,the attitude,content and methods of learning.First of all,the subject of learning should maintain the "Xu Yi Er Jing" mentality in the process of learning.This is the preparation of a calm and peaceful state of mind for learning,and it can be considered as the preparation of the mind for achieving "human perfection".The second step is to know the rites,that is,to know the content of learning.To understand the rites,we must understand the reason of rites,we must read the Rites,and also "hear the legacy of the previous king",the legacy of the previous king is far-reaching and profound,and the previous king made rituals,so the legacy of the previous king also includes the opinion of rites,so to achieve "perfect person" is indispensable to learn.Finally,to have the way of learning.Xunzi believes that rituals are not innate,and people will not take the initiative to recognize the way of rituals.Therefore,if one wants to learn in order to become perfect person,one must follow a certain path in order to achieve it.So Xunzi proposed a series of ways of learning,such as "study extensively and examine oneself daily","close to teachers and respect for the rituals","learn and practice" and "accumulation and perseverance",it has a significant role in the cultivation of personality.The third chapter focuses on the goal of Xunzi’s "learn" to "become perfect person".The value of Xunzi’s "learn" to "become perfect person" lies in shaping an ideal personality,which involves personal cultivation,i.e.,a moral cultivation of the individual,on the other hand,and political ideal,i.e.,the individual develops his virtuous cultivation to the establishment of a meritorious career of the world and the country.And the ultimate goal is to achieve the perfect union of the two,i.e.,"sheng"(圣)and "wang"(王)as one.In addition,The "learning" advocated by Xunzi is "learning for oneself",with "self-perfection" as its goal."Self-perfection" is to perfect one’s mind and body.In Xunzi’s view,learning rites is to ritualize the natural body,the ultimate goal of which is the transformation and beautification of the body and mind.The process of learning is the penetration of the external rites into the heart of the learner through study,and then by the learner’s inner immersion to fully ritualize the natural body.In other words,since rites have been internalized in the mind,the actions of the human body are fully in accordance with the rites,so that the body and mind are perfected,i.e.,the "self-perfection" is achieved through study.Only when we can truly be for ourselves and perfect ourselves physically and mentally can we truly be for others,and only then can we talk about self-cultivation,a well-managed family,and the ability to administer the state and to bring peace to the nation.In conclusion,regarding the cultivation path to achieve "human perfection",Xunzi firstly emphasizes the important role of "learning" for "human perfection".Only through continuous "learning" is it possible to achieve "human perfection".From Xunzi’s perspective of the world,even if there is the inherent virtue and the objective environment to become a saint or a gentleman,it is still impossible to achieve a noble and ideal personality if one does not study hard and practice it.