Quotes By Confucius

Real knowledge is to know the extent of one's ignorance.

The more man meditates upon good thoughts, the better will be his world and the world at large.

Silence is a true friend who never betrays.

The faults of a superior person are like the sun and moon. They have their faults, and everyone sees them; they change and everyone looks up to them.

The firm, the enduring, the simple, and the modest are near to virtue.

Do not impose on others what you yourself do not desire.

By three methods we may learn wisdom: First, by reflection, which is noblest; Second, by imitation, which is easiest; and third by experience, which is the bitterest.

The superior man makes the difficulty to be overcome his first interest; success only comes later.

I hear and I forget. I see and I remember. I do and I understand.

Go before the people with your example, and be laborious in their affairs.

The superior man is modest in his speech, but exceeds in his actions.

If you think in terms of a year, plant a seed; if in terms of ten years, plant trees; if in terms of 100 years, teach the people.

Life is really simple, but we insist on making it complicated.

An oppressive government is more to be feared than a tiger.

Learning without thought is labor lost; thought without learning is perilous.

Look at the means which a man employs, consider his motives, observe his pleasures. A man simply cannot conceal himself!

Speak the truth, do not yield to anger; give, if thou art asked for little; by these three steps thou wilt go near the gods.

The will to win, the desire to succeed, the urge to reach your full potential... these are the keys that will unlock the door to personal excellence.

They must often change, who would be constant in happiness or wisdom.

If I am walking with two other men, each of them will serve as my teacher. I will pick out the good points of the one and imitate them, and the bad points of the other and correct them in myself.

The object of the superior man is truth.

The cautious seldom err.

When we see persons of worth, we should think of equaling them; when we see persons of a contrary character, we should turn inwards and examine ourselves.

To see and listen to the wicked is already the beginning of wickedness.

Never contract friendship with a man that is not better than thyself.

When you are laboring for others let it be with the same zeal as if it were for yourself.

The expectations of life depend upon diligence; the mechanic that would perfect his work must first sharpen his tools.

To practice five things under all circumstances constitutes perfect virtue; these five are gravity, generosity of soul, sincerity, earnestness, and kindness.

Faced with what is right, to leave it undone shows a lack of courage.

I want you to be everything that's you, deep at the center of your being.