A Discussion of Heaven Multiple-Choice Quiz

. Xunzi's primary goal in this chapter is to

contrast the reign of the sage-king Yu with that of the tyrant Jie to show the beneficial effects that good government has on society.

show that the gods are indifferent to what happens among mortals, regardless of what rituals people perform.

convince people to stop worrying about luck and heavenly favor and start focusing on managing their own affairs better.

argue that, since society's well-being depends primarily on natural events like floods and droughts, society must resign itself to Heaven's will.

. Xunzi claims that if rulers govern their society well, then

Heaven cannot bring society to ruin.

Heaven still determines whether society prospers.

Heaven will reward the ruler with good luck.

Heaven will make society rich.

. Xunzi contrasts eclipses and shooting stars with neglected crops and "men and women mingling wantonly" in order to

suggest a connection between bad omens in the heavens and bad behaviors on earth.

argue that because we cannot know the causes of heavenly events, we must stick to things we can understand.

argue that Heaven demonstrates its displeasure at human misbehavior by sending bad omens.

suggest that society's future depends on people's behavior, not on supernatural omens.

Quiz Content