Xun Zi’ Harmonious Social Ideals Outline Of Living In Groups And Unity

The harmonious thought of Xun Zi is produced in the Warring States Period. There are seven dominant countries in the war, Xun Zi’s purpose is that cure the illness of society. This ideology include some theory that is inherited from Kong Zi, but there are apparent breakthrough. The main line of Xun Zi harmonious thought is that reduce contention by set up class distinctions, at the same time,civilize people by bring into play the role of music. Distinguishing people by ceremony can bring social harmony, jointing people by music can bring unity, combine this is the way of living in groups. The logical structure of his harmonious thought is very obvious, first is the harmony between body and heart, second is the harmony between some people and other people,third is the harmony between society and nature,the last is the harmony of the entire universe. Xun Zi keenly aware that the source of social conflict is evil human nature, from complex social phenomenon. This evil human nature is social conflict’s malignant tumor of the spirit and evil driving force. people blindly believe Meng Zi’s theory that human nature is good, this inhibit people’s reflection about human nature. It expand evil human nature’s adverse effects about society. Xun Zi sharply indicate that human nature is evil, in order to correct Confucian theory, people like to compete, as the population increases, the growth rate of wealth is slower than the growth rate of population. This imbalance promote contention, the development of contention become fraudulence between people and people, it become war between country and country. In order to prevent people’contention, Xun Zi think that we must change human nature.Only in this way,can we have the real harmony. In order to change human nature, we should play the role of music and ceremony.