Words matter. These are the best Confucius Quotes, and they’re great for sharing with your friends.
To go beyond is as wrong as to fall short.
If you look into your own heart, and you find nothing wrong there, what is there to worry about? What is there to fear?
When we see persons of worth, we should think of equaling them; when we see persons of a contrary character, we should turn inwards and examine ourselves.
I am not one who was born in the possession of knowledge; I am one who is fond of antiquity, and earnest in seeking it there.
When it is obvious that the goals cannot be reached, don’t adjust the goals, adjust the action steps.
Old age, believe me, is a good and pleasant thing. It is true you are gently shouldered off the stage, but then you are given such a comfortable front stall as spectator.
Never give a sword to a man who can’t dance.
Silence is a true friend who never betrays.
The book salesman should be honored because he brings to our attention, as a rule, the very books we need most and neglect most.
The object of the superior man is truth.
Look not at what is contrary to propriety; listen not to what is contrary to propriety; speak not what is contrary to propriety; make no movement which is contrary to propriety.
To see and listen to the wicked is already the beginning of wickedness.
An oppressive government is more to be feared than a tiger.
They must often change, who would be constant in happiness or wisdom.
To practice five things under all circumstances constitutes perfect virtue; these five are gravity, generosity of soul, sincerity, earnestness, and kindness.
Learning without thought is labor lost; thought without learning is perilous.
If you think in terms of a year, plant a seed; if in terms of ten years, plant trees; if in terms of 100 years, teach the people.
Look at the means which a man employs, consider his motives, observe his pleasures. A man simply cannot conceal himself!
If I am walking with two other men, each of them will serve as my teacher. I will pick out the good points of the one and imitate them, and the bad points of the other and correct them in myself.
To see the right and not to do it is cowardice.
A gentleman would be ashamed should his deeds not match his words.
When anger rises, think of the consequences.
To be wronged is nothing unless you continue to remember it.
He who exercises government by means of his virtue may be compared to the north polar star, which keeps its place and all the stars turn towards it.
Do not impose on others what you yourself do not desire.
The strength of a nation derives from the integrity of the home.
To know what you know and what you do not know, that is true knowledge.
Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.
Without feelings of respect, what is there to distinguish men from beasts?
The expectations of life depend upon diligence; the mechanic that would perfect his work must first sharpen his tools.
Better a diamond with a flaw than a pebble without.
Only the wisest and stupidest of men never change.
I hear, I know. I see, I remember. I do, I understand.
Real knowledge is to know the extent of one’s ignorance.
The superior man is modest in his speech, but exceeds in his actions.
Wherever you go, go with all your heart.
A superior man is modest in his speech, but exceeds in his actions.
Heaven means to be one with God.
Speak the truth, do not yield to anger; give, if thou art asked for little; by these three steps thou wilt go near the gods.
Virtue is not left to stand alone. He who practices it will have neighbors.
I want you to be everything that’s you, deep at the center of your being.
The superior man does not, even for the space of a single meal, act contrary to virtue. In moments of haste, he cleaves to it. In seasons of danger, he cleaves to it.
How to play music may be known. At the commencement of the piece, all the parts should sound together. As it proceeds, they should be in harmony while severally distinct and flowing without break, and thus on to the conclusion.
Life is really simple, but we insist on making it complicated.
It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop.
