Confucius Quotes
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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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Fix your mind on truth, hold firm to virtue, rely on loving kindness, and find your recreation in the Arts.
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Do not let a leader lead you on a bad path.
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The superior man... does not set his mind either for or against anything, he will pursue whatever is right. The superior man thinks of virtue, the common man of comfort.
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The vices come as passengers, visit us as guest and stay as masters.
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Study without reflection is a waste of time; reflection without study is dangerous.
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The Three Armies can be deprived of their commanding officer, but even a common man cannot be deprived of his purpose.
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Grieve not that men do not know you; grieve that you do not know men.
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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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If you know, say you know. If you don't know, say you don't know.
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When you have faults, do not fear to abandon them.
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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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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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The gentleman has nine cares. In seeing he is careful to see clearly; in hearing he is careful to hear distinctly; in his looks he is careful to be kind, in his manner to be respectful, in his words to be sincere, in his work to be diligent. When in doubt he is careful to ask for information; when angry he has a care for the consequences; and when he sees a chance for gain, he thinks carefully whether the pursuits of it would be right.
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You do not understand even life. How can you understand death?
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Make fair agreements and stick to them.
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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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The Master said, I set my heart on the Way, base myself on virtue, lean upon benevolence for support and take my recreation in the arts.
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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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Knowing something is not as good as liking it. Liking something is not as good as rejoicing in it.
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Past scholars studied to improve themselves; Today's scholars study to impress others.
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A good man regards the root; he fixes the root, and ail else flows out of it. The root is filial piety; the fruit brotherly love.
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When you meet someone better than yourself, turn your thoughts to becoming his equal. When you meet someone not as good as you are, look within and examine your own self.
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Learn as though you would never be able to master it; hold it as though you would be in fear of losing it.