Confucius Quotes
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To find the Tao, there is nowhere you need to search. If it is not inside you, it is not the Tao.
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By gaining the people, the kingdom is gained; by losing the people, the kingdom is lost.
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The superior man does what is proper to the station in which he is; he does not desire to go beyond this. In a position of wealth and honor, he does what is proper to a position of wealth and honor. In a poor and low position, he does what is proper to a poor and low position.
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True wisdom is knowing what you don't know.
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A man exercising no forethought will soon experience present sorrow.
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It is more shameful to distrust our friends than to be deceived by them.
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Success depends upon previous preparation, and without such preparation there is sure to be failure.
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Some are born with knowledge, some derive it from study, and some acquire it only after a painful realization of their ignorance. But the knowledge being possessed, it comes to the same thing. Some study with a natural ease, some from a desire for advantages, and some by strenuous effort. But the achievement being made, it comes to the same thing.
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If you don't want to do something,don't impose on others.
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The superior man does not mind being in office; all he minds about is whether he has qualities that entitle him to office. He does not mind failing to get recognition; he is too busy doing the things that entitle him to recognition.
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Everything has its beauty but not everyone sees it. To see it a person only needs to imagine how it could be worse.
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There are some with whom we may study in common, but we shall find them unable to go along with us to principles. Perhaps we may go on with them to principles, but we shall find them unable to get established in those along with us. Or if we may get so established along with them, we shall find them unable to weigh occurring events along with us.
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Love should start from people close to us, then be extended to other people, to strangers, and eventually to the world.
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When the multitude detests a man, inquiry is necessary; when the multitude likes a man, inquiry is equally necessary.
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Learn, as if never overtaking your object, and yet as if apprehensive of losing it.
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If what one has to say is not better than silence, then one should keep silent.
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Desire to have things done quickly prevents their being done thoroughly.
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Of course you want to be rich and famous. It's natural. Wealth and fame are what every man desires. The question is: What are you willing to trade for it?
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If a man be under the influence of anger his conduct will not be correct.
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If an urn lacks the characteristics of an urn, how can we call it an urn?
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If there were an honorable way to get rich, I’d do it, even if it meant being a stooge standing around with a whip. But there isn’t an honorable way, so I just do what I like.
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A man who does not forget an agreement is resolved and honorable man.
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I am not an originator but a transmitter.
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The perfecting of one's self is the fundamental base of all progress and all moral development.