In the inaugural episode focusing on Xunzi, a pivotal classical Confucian philosopher from the 3rd century BCE, the discussion centers on his view that human nature is fundamentally flawed. The episode explores Xunzi's skepticism towards traditional Confucian rituals, asserting that moral truths should not rely solely on supernatural beliefs. Furthermore, it investigates whether Xunzi believed the Confucian Way was discovered by sages or invented. This contemplation has significant implications for understanding ethics, particularly related to human conventions and the establishment of societal norms.
"Those who cross waters mark out the deep places, but if the markers are not clear, people will fall in. Those who order the people mark out the Way, but if the markers are not clear, there will be chaos. The rituals are those markers."
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