Confucius Quotes
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The superior man is distressed by his want (lack) of ability.
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Behind every smile there's teeth.
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To give oneself ernestly to securing righteousness and justice among the people, and while respecting the gods and demons, to keep aloof from them, that may be called wisdom.
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Knowing what's correct and not doing it, it's the worst cowardice.
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Don't use cannon to kill musquito.
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A man exercising no forethought will soon experience present sorrow.
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Does Heaven ever speak? The four seasons come and go, and all creatures thrive and grow. Does Heaven ever speak!
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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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The superior person tries to promote music as a means to the perfection of human culture. When such music prevails, and people's minds are led towards the right ideals and aspirations, we may see the appearance of a great nation.
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Riches and honor are what everyone desires, but if they can be gained only by doing evil, they must not be held. Don't worry about not being in office, worry about qualifying yourself for office. Don't worry that no one knows you, but seek to be worthy of being known.
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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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Music is the one thing in which there is no use trying to deceive others or make false pretenses.
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Straight-forwardness, without the rules of propriety, becomes rudeness.
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When the perfect order prevails, the world is like a home shared by all. Leaders are capable and virtuous. Everyone loves and respects their own parents and children as well as the parents and children of others. The old are cared for, adults have jobs, children are nourished and educated. There is a means of support for all those who are disabled or find themselves alone in the world. Everyone has an appropriate role to play in the family and society. Devotion to public duty leaves no place for idleness. Scheming for ill gain is unknown. Sharing displaces selfishness and materialism.
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Even if people do not know what real kindness is, they nonetheless have it within them.
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If the people be led by laws, and uniformity sought to be given them by punishments, they will try to avoid the punishment, but have no sense of shame.
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A wise man seeks by music to strengthen his soul: the thoughtless one uses it to stifle his fears.
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If you make a mistake and do not correct it, this is called a mistake.
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The superior man sets his person at rest before he moves; he composes his mind before he speaks.
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Go before the people with your example, and be laborious in their affairs.
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Let the states of equilibrium and harmony exist in perfection, and a happy order will prevail throughout heaven and earth, and all things will be nourished and flourish.
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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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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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First there must be order and harmony within your own mind.