Confucius Quotes

“A Nation's character is typified by its dancers.”

“In speaking, it is best to be clear and say just enough to convey the meaning.”

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

“I am not concerned that I am not known, I seek to be worthy to be known.”

“A man of humanity is one who, in seeking to establish himself, finds a foothold for others and who, in desiring attaining himself, helps others to attain.”

“Tea tempers the spirits and harmonizes the mind, dispels lassitude and relieves fatigue, awakens thought and prevents drowsiness, lightens or refreshes the body, and clears the perceptive faculties.”

“The book salesman should be honored because he brings to our attention, as a rule, the very books we need most and neglect most.”

“It is better not to proceed at all than to proceed without purpose.”

“If I were travelling with two partners, one virtuous and one dishonest, both would be useful as teachers. I would perceive what's good of the first one and I would imitate him whereas I would try to correct in me the defects I may see in the second one.”

“A truly great man never puts away the simplicity of a child.”

“It is only the very wisest and the very stupidest who never change.”

“If one learns from others, but does not think, one will be bewildered. If, on the other hand, one thinks but does not learn from others, one will be in peril.”

“Do not treat others as you yourself would not be treated.”

“A man who lacks reliability is utterly useless.”

“The main object of conciliation lies in reaching a solution to a case based upon morals and with a warm heart.”

“In your promises cleave to what is right, And you will be able to fulfill your word.”

“An inconvenience is an unrecognized opportunity.”

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

“A gentleman considers what is right; the vulgar consider what will pay.”

“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.”

“If language is not correct, then what is said is not what is meant; if what is said is not what is meant, then what must be done remains undone; if this remains undone, morals and art will deteriorate; if justice goes astray, the people will stand about in helpless confusion. Hence there must be no arbitrariness in what is said. This matters above everything.”

“These are the four abuses: desire to succeed in order to make oneself famous; taking credit for the labors of others; refusal to correct one's errors despite advice; refusal to change one's ideas despite warnings.”

“The general of a large army may be defeated, but you cannot defeat the determined mind of a peasant.”

“Of all that Heaven produces and nourishes, there is none so great as man.”

“The Master said, “If your conduct is determined solely by considerations of profit you will arouse great resentment.”