Confucius Quotes
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It is not possible for one to teach others who cannot teach his own family.
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A man without a mustache is a man without a soul.
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The good man does not grieve that other people do not recognize his merits. His only anxiety is lest he should fail to recognize theirs.
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Never tire to study. And to teach to others.
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Women and people of low birth are very hard to deal with. If you are friendly to them, they get out of hand, and if you keep your distance, they resent it.
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When there are duties to perform [true] servants and sons serve their labors.
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Never overlook wallflower at dance; may be dandelion in grass.
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Lead the people with administrative injunctions and put them in their place with penal law, and they will avoid punishments but will be without a sense of shame. Lead them with excellence and put them in their place through roles and ritual practices, and in addition to developing a sense of shame, they will order themselves harmoniously.
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Three things cannot long be hidden: the sun, the moon, and the truth.
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A superior man is modest in his speech, but exceeds in his actions.
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Don’t complain about the snow on your neighbor’s roof when your own doorstep is unclean.
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The superior man is slow in his words and earnest in his conduct.
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I used to listen to what others said, and expect them to act accordingly. But nowadays, I listen to what they say, and then observe what they do.
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If a man is respectful he will not be treated with insolence. If he is tolerant he will win the multitude. If he is trustworthy in word his fellow men will entrust him with responsibility. If he is quick he will achieve results.
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Everyone calls his son his son, whether he has talents or has not talents.
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A gentleman does not promote a man on account of what he says; nor does he reject sayings, because the speaker is what he is.
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When it is obvious that the goals cannot be reached, don't adjust the goals, adjust the action steps.
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Only the wisest and stupidest of men never change.
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Rotten wood cannot be carved.
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Signs and symbols rule the world, not words nor laws.
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He who keeps danger in mind, is he who will rest safe in his seat; he who keeps ruin in mind, is he who will preserve his interests secure.
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The real fault is to have faults and not amend them.
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By the ruler's cultivation of his own character there is set up the example of the course which all should pursue.
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True knowledge is when one knows the limitations of one's knowledge.