Xunzi (Complete Works by Wen and Bai)

Xunzi's Confucian classics from the Warring States Period, the Chinese and white version contains 32 chapters, covering core chapters such as "Encouragement to Learn", "Cultivation", "Evil Nature" and "Kingdom". The original text elaborates on Xunzi's "theory of evil nature" (advocating "the transformation of nature into falsehood"), "the simultaneous application of etiquette and law", and "encouraging learning and self-cultivation" and other ideas, emphasizing the importance of acquired learning and social norms; the vernacular translation is a popular interpretation, with annotations to analyze philosophical terms and historical background (such as "Jixia Academy" and "Warring States Disputes"). The book combines Confucianism and Legalism, which not only criticizes various schools of thought (such as Mozi and Zhuangzi), but also provides a theoretical basis for the feudal system of later generations. The comparative form makes it easier for modern readers to understand the essence of classical philosophy. It is an important text for studying pre-Qin thought.