Status Updates From Xunzi: The Complete Text

The gentleman's process of learning is like molting-continually it changes him. And so, in walking, he works on it. In standing, he works on it. In sitting, he works on it. In arranging the expression on his face and voicing his words and tone, he works on it. He never neglects to do what is good. He never hesitates to ask questions.

Xunzi on the junzi's relation to fate & virtue

"If the gentlemen eats only crude greens and drinks only plain water, this is not because he is foolish. It is just because of circumstances. What is up to me is to cultivate my heart and thoughts, to make my virtue and good conduct abundant, to make my understanding and deliberations enlightened, and to live in the present age but focus my intentions on the ancients."

Xunzi on habits and self cultivation:

"In general, people like to be disdainful and scorning of small matters; only when big matters arrive do they then take them up and work at them. When they are like this, they will never surpass those who devotedly apply themselves to small matters."