Cultivation (jiaohua, 教化): The goal of Xunzi’s ethical thought

Abstract

Xunzi carried on the noble ambitions of Zhou Kong Jiaohua Th[TeYS  and systematically demonstrated the necessity of cultivation and how to realize it. Starting from the belief that human nature is evil, he argues that cultivation was necessary and its teachings must penetrate the mind. The key of cultivation is to cultivate man s feelings, encourage man to behave properly, and attempt to mold his nature through Ritual cultivation, Musical cultivation, and the Five Classics. The main point of Xunzi s ethical thought is cultivation. As far as cultivation theory is concerned, Xunzi s is the most logical and systematic of the famous Pre-Qin thinkers.