Confucius Quotes
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The Master said, "Wealth and honor are things that all people desire, and yet unless they are acquired in the proper way I will not abide them. Poverty and disgrace are things that all people hate, and yet unless they are avoided in the proper way I will not despise them. If the gentleman abandons ren, how can he be worthy of that name? The gentleman does not violate ren even for the amount of time required to eat a meal. Even in times of urgency or distress, he does not depart from it."
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Here is an example of Confucius sayings: "It does not matter how slowly you go so long as you do not stop." In a few words, Confucius teaches us about patience, perseverance, discipline, and hard work. But if you probe further, you will see more layers. Confucius' philosophies have significantly influenced spiritual and social thought. His views bear insight and depth of wisdom. You can apply his teachings in every sphere of life. Confucius' profound teachings are based on humanism.
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The more you know yourself, the more you forgive yourself.
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It is man that makes truth great, and not truth that makes man great.
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Eat at your own as you would the table of a king.
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He who exercises government by means of his virtue may be compared to the north polar star, which keeps its place and all the stars turn towards it.
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I know how the birds fly, how the fishes swim, how animals run. But there is the Dragon. I cannot tell how it mounts on the winds through the clouds and flies through heaven. Today I have seen the Dragon.
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Possessed of courage but devoid of morality, a superior man will make trouble while a small man will be a brigand.
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See a person's means ... Observe his motives. Examine that in which he rests. How can a person conceal his character?
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It is better not to proceed at all than to proceed without purpose.
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If you reflect within yourself and find nothing to be ashamed of, how could you have anxiety or fear.
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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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The way of Heaven and Earth may be completely declared in one sentence: They are without any doubleness, and so they produce things in a manner that is unfathomable.
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Words are the voice of the heart.
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We can know a person by observing his behaviour, understanding the reasons for his actions and ascertaining his intentions. If we do this, how can we not know him?
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When admins have faults, they do not fear to ignore them.
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If I give a student one-fourth of what he should know, I expect him to get the other three-fourths himself, otherwise I do not want him as a student.
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A good man is not mine to see. Could I see a man possessed of constancy, that would satisfy me.
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Not knowing life, how can we know death? Why talk of spirits when you do not understand men?
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A man who does not think and plan long ahead will find trouble right at his door.
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The Master said, "A true teacher is one who, keeping the past alive, is also able to understand the present."
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The gentleman prefers to be slow in word but diligent in action.
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Keep it simple and focus on what matters. Don't let yourself be overwhelmed.
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To be fond of learning is to draw close to wisdom. To practice with vigor is to draw close to benevolence. To know the sense of shame is to draw close to courage. He who knows these three things knows how to cultivate his own character. Knowing how to cultivate his own character, he knows how to govern other men. Knowing how to govern other men, he knows how to govern the world, its states, and its families.