Which man taught that humans are innately evil and must be closely controlled?

Which man taught that humans are innately evil and must be closely controlled?

• A. Confucius
• B. Laozi
• C. Mencius
• D. Xun-zi

Answer: (D)

Humans need cultivation through education and ritual because their nature is inclined toward self-interest and potential disorder. Xun-zi argued that human nature is inherently bad, so without deliberate moral shaping people will act selfishly and cause conflict. To become virtuous, individuals must be guided by structured education, shared rites, and strong social institutions that enforce norms and teach proper conduct. This puts governance in the role of curbing impulses and directing growth through culture and discipline. In contrast, the other thinkers present different starting points: Confucius emphasizes benevolence and ritual to develop virtue but does not claim innate evil; Mencius argues that people are born with innate goodness; Laozi (Daoist) advocates aligning with the Dao and following natural processes rather than imposing moral constraints.

Humans need cultivation through education and ritual because their nature is inclined toward self-interest and potential disorder. Xun-zi argued that human nature is inherently bad, so without deliberate moral shaping people will act selfishly and cause conflict. To become virtuous, individuals must be guided by structured education, shared rites, and strong social institutions that enforce norms and teach proper conduct. This puts governance in the role of curbing impulses and directing growth through culture and discipline. In contrast, the other thinkers present different starting points: Confucius emphasizes benevolence and ritual to develop virtue but does not claim innate evil; Mencius argues that people are born with innate goodness; Laozi (Daoist) advocates aligning with the Dao and following natural processes rather than imposing moral constraints.