Essay: Xunzi’s Li and Human Nature

By Marcus Teo The li refers to the ritual principles that arise from conscious activity, commonly cited alongside yi, or humaneness. His strong emphasis on li and yi remain apparent throughout The Xunzi. Also referred to as appropriate behaviour or ritual propriety (Lai 41 – 43), Xunzi posits that li is necessary in inculcating positive, … Continue reading Essay: Xunzi’s Li and Human Nature