荀子哲學路與孟子哲學頗為不同，然則法孔子之心相同。孟子闡揚了孔子「性相近」之說，建立了以「性善」為核心的人之哲學；荀子則獨鍾「習相遠」之說，建立以「心知道」為核心的人之哲學與道德知識論。本文試圖依據《荀子》文本，探究「人之性惡明矣，其善者偽也」之要義。人性為惡的現象描述與事實，並不影響人對「善」—「美好價值」的追求與重視。由於強調「正理平治」為善，荀子所謂「善」以道德實踐尤其是社會倫理學的意涵呈顯；至於「善」的追求，在已有認知主體「解蔽心」在他有客觀之「禮義」或「道」，透過「心知道→可道→守道、禁非道」知行合一的歷程完成。

Though quite different in their philosophies, Xun Zi and Meng Zi were similar in their intentions to follow the example of Confucius. Meng elucidated the Confucius's theory of ”similar natures” and constructed the philosophy of man around the ”goodness of human nature,” while Xun focused on the doctrine of ”different habits” and built the philosophy of man and moral epistemology around the ”mind knowing Tao (the way).” Based on the text of Xun Zi, this article is attempted to inquire the meanings of ”human nature is evil, and any goodness in human beings is acquired through conscious exertion.” The description and fact of the ”evil of human nature” does not compromise one's pursuit of and emphasis on ”goodness”-”good values.” Highlighting the goodness of ”correctness, natural principles, peace and order,” Xun's idea of goodness is manifested in moral practice, particularly in social ethics, while the pursuit of ”goodness” lied in the subjective ”blindness-dispelling mind” and the objective ”propriety” or ”Tao.” And ”goodness” is achieved through the process of ”the mind knowing Tao, the mind approving it, the mind abiding by it, and the mind refraining from what is contrary to it.”