Confucius Quotes
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The gentleman sees what is right while the small man sees what is profitable.
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The superior man undergoes three changes. Looked at from a distance, he appears stern; when approached, he is mild; when he is heard to speak, his language is firm and decided.
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Therefore the superior man is watchful over himself, when he is alone.
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There are three things against which the wise man guards: lust when young, quarrels when strong, and covetousness when old.
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First there must be order and harmony within your own mind. Then this order will spread to your family, then to the community, and finally to your entire kingdom. Only then can you have peace and harmony.
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Good people strengthen themselves ceaselessly.
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Things being investigated, knowledge became complete. Their knowledge being complete, their thoughts were sincere. Their thoughts being sincere, their hearts were then rectified. Their hearts being rectified, their persons were cultivated. Their persons being cultivated, their families were regulated. Their families being regulated, their States were rightly governed. Their States being rightly governed, the whole kingdom was made tranquil and happy.
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When three persons work together, each can be the teacher in some aspects.
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Behave when away from home as though you were in the presence of an honored guest. Employ the people as though you were assisting at an important sacrifice. Do not do to others what you would not like yourself. Then there will be no feelings of opposition to you, whether it is the affairs of a state that you are handling or the affairs of a family.
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The really faithful lover of learning holds fast to the Good Way till death.
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Is there any one maxim which ought to be acted upon throughout one's whole life? Surely the maxim of loving kindness is such: Do not unto others what you would not they should do unto you.
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There are three friendships which are advantageous, and three which are injurious. Friendship with the upright; friendship with the sincere; and friendship with the man of much observation: these are advantageous. Friendship with the man of specious airs; friendship with the insinuatingly soft; and friendship with the glib-tongued: these are injurious.
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The mirror reflects all objects without being sullied.
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Only the supremely wise and the ignorant do not alter.
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A father's and a mother's age must be borne in mind; with joy on the one hand, fear on the other.
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Do not let a leader lead you on a bad path.
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Balance is the perfect state of still water. Let that be our model. It remains quiet within and is not disturbed on the surface.
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Don't be concerned about others not appreciating you. Be concerned about your not appreciating others.
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The demands that a great man makes are on himself; those of a petty man are upon others.
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Don't worry that other people don't know you; worry that you don't know other people.
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Learn as though you would never be able to master it; hold it as though you would be in fear of losing it.
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To throw oneself into strange teachings is quite dangerous.
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If you would govern a state of a thousand chariots (a small-to-middle-size state), you must pay strict attention to business, be true to your word, be economical in expenditure and love the people.
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A man should practice what he preaches, but a man should also preach what he practices.