Confucius Quotes
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The superior man undergoes three changes. Looked at from a distance, he appears stern; when approached, he is mild; when he is heard to speak, his language is firm and decided.
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If you know, say you know. If you don't know, say you don't know.
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The vices come as passengers, visit us as guest and stay as masters.
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To know everything is to know nothing, but to know nothing is to know everything.
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When you see a worthy person, endeavor to emulate him. When you see an unworthy person, then examine your inner self.
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At seventy, I could follow the dictates of my own heart; for what I desired no longer overstepped the boundaries of right.
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Past scholars studied to improve themselves; Today's scholars study to impress others.
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The green reed which bends in the wind is stronger than the mighty oak which breaks in a storm.
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You do not understand even life. How can you understand death?
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Grieve not that men do not know you; grieve that you do not know men.
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Fix your mind on truth, hold firm to virtue, rely on loving kindness, and find your recreation in the Arts.
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Knowing something is not as good as liking it. Liking something is not as good as rejoicing in it.
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Virtuous people often revenge themselves for the constraints to which they submit by the boredom which they inspire.
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Do not let a leader lead you on a bad path.
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A superior man in dealing with the world is not for anything or against anything. He follows righteousness as the standard.
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Men of principle are sure to be bold, but those who are bold may not always be men of principle.
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When words lose their meaning, people lose their liberty.
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Study without reflection is a waste of time; reflection without study is dangerous.
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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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Don’t complain about the snow on your neighbor’s roof when your own doorstep is unclean.
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The administration of government lies in getting proper men. Such men are to be got by means of the ruler's own character. That character is to be cultivated by his treading in the ways of duty. And the treading those ways of duty is to be cultivated by the cherishing of benevolence.
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The requisites of government are that there be sufficiency of food, sufficiency of military equipment, and the confidence of the people in their ruler.
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Of neighborhoods, benevolence is the most beautiful. How can the man be considered wise who when he had the choice does not settle in benevolence.
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Don't worry that other people don't know you; worry that you don't know other people.