The “goodness of human beings derives from conscious activity” (101). Tzu compared conscious activity to a teacher helping their student become a better person. For example, when I started swimming lessons I couldn't swim to save my life. By continuing to practice and take swimming lessons, I have become a better swimmer and have now learned to swim. I wasn't naturally good at swimming, but I got educated and now I can swim on my own. Tzu speaks of a warped piece of wood that “must wait until it has been placed on the straightening table, steamed, and forced into shape before it can become straight” (101). He then compares the piece of board to the nature of man, to evil. Since man's nature is evil, "he must await the instructions of a master before he can become righteous" (101). You might ask: If human nature is evil, then where do ritual and propriety come from? Ritual and Righteousness come from the conscious activity of human beings. Because humans are naturally evil, they seek the goodness and order that comes from ritual activities and fairness. The existence of kings and leaders also proves that man's nature is evil. If humans were naturally good, then there would be no need for government, but since humans lack order, the institution of a ruler with all the authority to establish laws to maintain order will last forever.