Confucius Quotes
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Virtue is more to man than either water or fire. I have seen men die from treading on water and fire, but I have never seen a man die from treading the course of virtue.
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That a man lives is because he is straight. That a man who dupes others survives is because he has been fortunate enough to be spared.
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The Superior Man is all-embracing and not partial. The inferior man is partial and not all-embracing.
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Hold faithfulness and sincerity as first principles.
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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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The real fault is to have faults and not amend them.
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The man who loves his job never works a day in his life.
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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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Recompense injury with justice, and recompense kindness with kindness.
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The superior man, when resting in safety, does not forget that danger may come.
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For one word a man is often deemed to be wise, and for one word he is often deemed to be foolish. We should be careful indeed what we say.
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Exemplary people concern themselves with virtue, small people concern themselves with territory. The ruling class thinks of punishment, the lower classes hope for benevolence.
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I have not seen a person who loved virtue, or one who hated what was not virtuous. He who loved virtue would esteem nothing above it.
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There is one single thread binding my way together...the way of the Master consists in doing one's best...that is all.
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Friendship with the upright, with the truthful and with the well informed is beneficial. Friendship with those who flatter, with those who are meek and who compromise with principles, and with those who talk cleverly is harmful.
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The gods should certainly be revered, but kept at a distance... . The way is not beyond man; he who creates a way outside of man cannot make it a true way. A good man is content with changing man, and that is enough for him.
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Those who know the TRUTH are not equal to those who love it.
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He Who Knows And Knows That He Knows Is A Wise Man - Follow Him; He Who Knows Not And Knows Not That He Knows Not Is A Fool - Shun Him
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The Path is not far from man. When men try to pursue a course, which is far from the common indications of consciousness, this course cannot be considered The Path.
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The man who asks a question is a fool for a minute, the man who does not ask is a fool for life.
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The difference between ordinary and extraordinary is that little extra. The question isn't who is going to let me; it's who is going to stop me you don't have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step the man who moves a mountain begins by carrying away small stones.
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Do not answer the person whose questions are vile. Do not question a person whose answers are vile.
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Expect much from yourself and little from others and you will avoid incurring resentments.
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Guide the people by law, subdue them by punishment; they may shun crime, but will be void of shame. Guide them by example, subdue them by courtesy; they will learn shame, and come to be good.