Xunzi (philosopher)

A pivotal Confucian philosopher who synthesized traditions to revise and strengthen the school.

Chronology: -313 – -230

Origins & Early Life

Xunzi (荀子, Xúnzǐ, lit. 'Master Xun'; c. 310 – c. after 238 BCE), born Xun Kuang, was a late Warring States period Confucian Chinese philosopher, often ranked as the third great Confucian philosopher of antiquity after his predecessors Confucius and Mencius.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

By his time, Confucianism had suffered considerable criticism from Taoist and Mohist thinkers, and Xunzi is traditionally regarded as a synthesizer of these traditions with earlier Confucian thought. The result was a thorough and cohesive revision of Confucianism, which was crucial to the philosophy's ability to flourish in the Han dynasty and throughout the later history of East Asia. His works were compiled in the eponymous Xunzi, and survive in excellent condition. Unlike other ancient compilations, his authorship of these texts is generally secure, though it is likely that Western Han dynasty historian Liu Xiang organized them into their present form centuries after Xunzi's death. Born in the state of Zhao, Xunzi studied at the prestigious Jixia Academy in Qi, where he learned about every major philosophical tradition of his time.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

After graduating, Xunzi traveled to Chu where he mastered poetry, returning to the academy as a...

Source: Wikipedia