Confucius Quotes

Nothing is more visible than things hidden; Nothing is more manifest than things minute; Therefore, the superior man should be aware of his aloneness

To be wronged is nothing unless you continue to remember it.

If you look at their intentions, examine their motives, and scrutinize what brings them contentment – how can people hide who they are? How can they hide who they really are?

To see what is right and not do it is want of courage.

He who speaks without modesty will find it difficult to make his words good.

Forget injuries, never forget kindnesses.

Only the wisest and stupidest of men never change.

The gentleman understands what is moral. The small man understands what is profitable.

Give a bowl of rice to a man and you will feed him for a day. Teach him how to grow his own rice and you will save his life.

It is not the failure of others to appreciate your abilities that should trouble you, but rather your failure to appreciate theirs.

When you see a good person, think of becoming like her/him. When you see someone not so good, reflect on your own weak points.

What the superior man seeks is in himself what the small man seeks is in others.

The Master said, “A true gentleman is one who has set his heart upon the Way. A fellow who is ashamed merely of shabby clothing or modest meals is not even worth conversing with.”(Analects 4.9)

he who will not economize will have to agonize

Worthy admonitions cannot fail to inspire us, but what matters is changing ourselves. Reverent advice cannot fail to encourage us, but what matters is acting on it. Encouraged without acting, inspired without changing – there’s nothing to be done for such people.

In following the Way, the noble-minded treasure three things: a manner free of violence and arrogance, a countenance full of sincerity and trust, a voice free of vulgarity and impropriety.

The wise never doubt. The Humane never worry. The brave never fear.

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

To rank the effort above the prize may be called love.

If I raise one corner for someone and he cannot come back with the other three, I do not go on.

You cannot open a book without learning something.

He who searches for evil, must first look at his own reflection.

To lead an untrained people to war is to throw them away.

The grass must bend when the wind blows across it.

The Master is cordial yet stern, awe-inspiring yet not fierce and respectful yet at ease.

The Master said, “The gentleman does not serve as a vessel.”(Analects 2.12)

He who will not economize will have to agonize.

To know what is right and not do it is the worst cowardice.

When you have faults, do not fear to abandon them.

Hold faithfulness and sincerity as first principles.

Education breeds confidence. Confidence breeds hope. Hope breeds peace.

Looking at small advantages prevents great affairs from being accomplished.

Think of tomorrow, the past can't be mended.

Time flows away like the water in the river.

Recompense injury with justice and recompense kindness with kindness.

Tsze-kung wished to dispense with the sacrifice of a sheep for the New Moon ceremony. The Master said, "You love the sheep; I love the ceremony.