Xun Zi, born Xun Kuang, was an influential Chinese Confucian philosopher who lived during the Warring States period. He is best known for his belief that human nature is inherently bad or selfish, a stark contrast to the views of his predecessor, Mencius. According to Xunzi, individuals can become virtuous through conscious effort, education, and adherence to ritual (li). His writings, compiled in the book named after him, the Xunzi, became highly influential and contributed significantly to the realist strain within Confucian thought.