The sentence "Food, sex, and nature" is not what Confucius said, but Gaozi's point of view in "Mencius Gaozi 1", which means: For people, it is good to enjoy eating and drinking. , whether it is human nature to like prosperous and beautiful things.

Gaozi’s theory that human nature is neither good nor bad constitutes three understandings of human nature, along with Xunzi’s theory of evil nature and Mencius’ theory of good nature. The sentence "food, sex, and sex" proposed by Gaozi only stated that humans have similar characteristics to animals.

Extended information:

Confucius’ point of view is: I have never seen anyone who loves virtue as much as he loves sex.

Interpretation: People who pursue lustful nature too much, but do not pursue virtuous nature, will not be aware of right and wrong because of partiality.

Source: "The Analects of Confucius·Zihan" and "The Analects of Confucius·Wei Linggong"

Mencius' point of view is: benevolence, justice, propriety and wisdom are not derived from outside, but are inherent in me.

Interpretation: Benevolence, righteousness, etiquette and wisdom are not forged to oneself by the outside world, but are inherent in oneself. Mencius did not refute Gaozi's discussion of food and sex, but emphasized that righteousness is also the nature. Confucianism first puts benevolence, righteousness and morality first, and human desires second.

Source: "Mencius·Gaozi Chapter 1·Section 6"

Baidu Encyclopedia - The nature of food and sex