Confucius Quotes
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All things are already complete in oneself.
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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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Not to converse with a man worthy of conversation is to waste the man. To converse with a man not worthy of conversation is to waste words. The wise waste neither men nor words.
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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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A lack of patience in trifling matters might lead to the disruption of great project.
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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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If a man is not good, what has he to do with the rules of propriety? If he is not good, what has he to do with music?
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The general of a large army may be defeated, but you cannot defeat the determined mind of a peasant.
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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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Straight-forwardness, without the rules of propriety, becomes rudeness.
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If either wealth or poverty are come by honesty, there is no shame.
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Place where man laughs, sings, picks flowers, chases butterflies and pets birds, makes love with maidens, and plays with children. Here he spontaneously reveals his nature, the base as well as the noble. Here also he buries his sorrows and difficulties and cherishes his ideals and hopes. It is in the garden that men discover themselves. Indeed one discovers not only his real self but also his ideal self?he returns to his youth. Inevitably the garden is made the scene of man's merriment, escapades, romantic abandonment, spiritual awakening or the perfection of his finer self.
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There is good government when those who are near are made happy, and when those who are afar are attracted.
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A man should demand much from himself, but little from others. When you meet a man of worth, think how you may attain to his excellence. When you meet an unworthy one, then look within and examine yourself.
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Conscience is the inner voice which warns us that someone might be looking. Hear and you forget, see and you remember, do and you understand.
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A man may not transgress the bounds of major morals, but may make errors in minor morals.
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A disciple having asked for a definition of charity, the Master said LOVE ONE ANOTHER.
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The wise are free from perplexities; the virtuous from anxiety; and the bold from fear.
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The superior man is distressed by his want (lack) of ability.
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Happiness does not consist in having what you want, but in wanting what you have.
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I transmit but do not create. I place my trust in the teachings of antiquity.
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To lead uninstructed people to war is to throw them away.
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Success depends upon previous preparation, and without such preparation there is sure to be failure.
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Humanity is the equity of the heart.