Quotes By Confucius

The object of the superior man is truth.

I will not be concerned at other men's not knowing me;I will be concerned at my own want of ability.

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.

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

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

When it is obvious that the goals cannot be reached, don't adjust the goals, adjust the action steps.

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

Without feelings of respect, what is there to distinguish men from beasts?

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

The superior man acts before he speaks, and afterwards speaks according to his action.

You cannot open a book without learning something.

Death and life have their determined appointments; riches and honors depend upon heaven.

Better a diamond with a flaw than a pebble without.

The strength of a nation derives from the integrity of the home.

Everything has beauty, but not everyone sees it.

Never give a sword to a man who can't dance.

Instead of being concerned that you have no office, be concerned to think how you may fit yourself for office. Instead of being concerned that you are not known, seek to be worthy of being known.

There are three methods to gaining wisdom. The first is reflection, which is the highest. The second is limitation, which is the easiest. The third is experience, which is the bitterest.

Only the wisest and stupidest of men never change.

We should feel sorrow, but not sink under its oppression.

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

Heaven means to be one with God.

Study the past, if you would divine the future.

Virtue is not left to stand alone. He who practices it will have neighbors.

It is more shameful to distrust our friends than to be deceived by them.

Virtuous people often revenge themselves for the constraints to which they submit by the boredom which they inspire.

Old age, believe me, is a good and pleasant thing. It is true you are gently shouldered off the stage, but then you are given such a comfortable front stall as spectator.

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.