Confucius Quotes
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Only the supremely wise and the ignorant do not alter.
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Many seek happiness higher than men; others beneath him. But happiness is the same height as man.
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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.
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Look for an occupation that you like, and you will not need to labor for a single day in your life.
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One who has accumulated virtue will certainly also possess eloquence; but he who has eloquence doe not necessarily possess virtue.
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Charity, like the sun, brightens every object on which it shines.
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The most beautiful sight in the world is a little child going confidently down the road of life after you have shown him the way.
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If you did not do so for the sake of riches,You must have done so for the sake of novelty.
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The nobler sort of man emphasizes the good qualities in others, and does not accentuate the bad. The inferior does the reverse. . . . The nobler sort of man pays special attention to nine points. He is anxious to see clearly, to hear distinctly, to be kindly in his looks, respectful in his demeanor, conscientious in his speech, earnest in his affairs. When in doubt, he is careful to inquire; when in anger, he thinks of the consequences; when offered an opportunity for gain, he thinks only of his duty.
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The superior person gathers his weapons together in order to provide against the unforeseen.
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Go before the people with your example, and be laborious in their affairs.
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When the Superior Man eats he does not try to stuff himself; at rest he does not seek perfect comfort; he is diligent in his work and careful in speech. He avails himself to people of the Tao and thereby corrects himself. This is the kind of person of whom you can say, "he loves learning."
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The great man is sparing in words but prodigal in deeds.
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When superiors are fond of showing their humanity, inferiors try to outstrip one another in their practice of it.
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The higher type of man clings to virtue, the lower type of man clings to material comfort. The higher type of man cherishes justice, the lower type of man cherishes the hope of favors to be received.
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The man who in view of gain thinks of righteousness; who in the view of danger is prepared to give up his life; and who does not forget an old agreement however far back it extends - such a man may be reckoned a complete man.
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If one leads them with administrative measures and uses punishments to make them conform, the people will be evasive, but if one leads them with virtue, they will come up to expectations.
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To see and listen to the wicked is already the beginning of wickedness.
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Everyone eats and drinks; yet only few appreciate the taste of food.
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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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Things that are done, it is needless to speak about...things that are past, it is needless to blame.
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Those who are firm, enduring, simple and unpretentious are the nearest to virtue.
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You will never know how sharp a sword is unless it's drawn from its sheath.
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To go beyond is as wrong as to fall short.