This beautiful softcover edition is in near fine condition, with no marks or tears and only minimal shelf wear. The pages are crisp and unmarked, and the book remains tight, square, and well-preserved. Hsün Tzu: Basic Writings, translated by Burton Watson, is a highly regarded English-language compilation of key essays and teachings by the ancient Chinese philosopher Xunzi (Hsün Tzu). Watson's translation is celebrated for its clarity, precision, and ability to convey the nuances of classical Chinese philosophical language. Xunzi argues that humans are born with selfish desires and that moral virtues must be cultivated through education, ritual, and societal norms.