Top 917 Quotes & Sayings by Confucius - Page 2
Explore popular quotes and sayings by a Chinese philosopher Confucius.
Last updated on November 4, 2024.
The superior man does not, even for the space of a single meal, act contrary to virtue. In moments of haste, he cleaves to it. In seasons of danger, he cleaves to it.
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.
The superior man is distressed by the limitations of his ability; he is not distressed by the fact that men do not recognize the ability that he has.
I am not one who was born in the possession of knowledge; I am one who is fond of antiquity, and earnest in seeking it there.
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.
He who acts with a constant view to his own advantage will be much murmured against.
To those whose talents are above mediocrity, the highest subjects may be announced. To those who are below mediocrity, the highest subjects may not be announced.
The object of the superior man is truth.
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.
Look at the means which a man employs, consider his motives, observe his pleasures. A man simply cannot conceal himself!
The firm, the enduring, the simple, and the modest are near to virtue.
I will not be concerned at other men's not knowing me; I will be concerned at my own want of ability.
Look not at what is contrary to propriety; listen not to what is contrary to propriety; speak not what is contrary to propriety; make no movement which is contrary to propriety.
I want you to be everything that's you, deep at the center of your being.
When you are laboring for others let it be with the same zeal as if it were for yourself.
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.
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.
Virtuous people often revenge themselves for the constraints to which they submit by the boredom which they inspire.
The superior man makes the difficulty to be overcome his first interest; success only comes later.
Learning without thought is labor lost; thought without learning is perilous.
Ability will never catch up with the demand for it.
To rule a country of a thousand chariots, there must be reverent attention to business, and sincerity; economy in expenditure, and love for men; and the employment of the people at the proper seasons.
How to play music may be known. At the commencement of the piece, all the parts should sound together. As it proceeds, they should be in harmony while severally distinct and flowing without break, and thus on to the conclusion.
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 some years were added to my life, I would give fifty to the study of the Yi, and then I might come to be without great faults.
He who exercises government by means of his virtue may be compared to the north polar star, which keeps its place and all the stars turn towards it.
The book salesman should be honored because he brings to our attention, as a rule, the very books we need most and neglect most.
If you chase two rabbits,
you catch none.
Cultivate the root; the leaves and branches will take care of themselves.
There are 1,000 lessons in defeat. But only one in victory.
Do not wish for quick results, nor look for small advantages. If you seek quick results, you will not reach the ultimate goal. If you are led astray by small advantages, you will never accomplish great things.
A great man is hard on himself; a small man is hard on others.
Man shoot at nothing, sure to hit it.
Tell people - and they may forget...
show them - they may remember...
but involve them and they will understand.
He who cannot describe the problem will never find the solution to that problem.
He who learns but does not think, is lost. He who thinks but does not learn is in great danger.
The Gods cannot help those who do not seize opportunities.
Happiness does not consist in having what you want, but in wanting what you have
Remember even when alone, that the divine is everywhere.
A man is great not because he hasn't failed; a man is great because failure hasn't stopped him.
When words lose their meaning, people lose their liberty.
When a wise man points at the moon the imbecile examines the finger.
Of course you want to be rich and famous. It's natural. Wealth and fame are what every man desires. The question is: What are you willing to trade for it?
Don't curse the darkness, light a candle.
Keep it simple and focus on what matters. Don't let yourself be overwhelmed.
The man who asks a question is a fool for a minute, the man who does not ask is a fool for life.
Don't let your past determine your destiny.
He who conquers himself is the mightiest warrior.
The archer who misses his mark does not blame the target. He stops, corrects himself and shoots again.
Do not worry if others do not understand you. Instead worry if you do not understand others.
Happiness is not at the top of the mountain, but in how to climb.
If you want to change the world, first change your heart.
The gem cannot be polished without friction nor man without trials.
I was complaining that I had no shoes till I met a man who had no feet.
The superior person gathers his weapons together in order to provide against the unforeseen.
roads were made for journeys not destinations
Knowledge without practice is useless. Practice without knowledge is dangerous.
Three things cannot long be hidden: the sun, the moon, and the truth.
If you want happiness for a year, inherit a fortune. If you want happiness for a lifetime, help someone else.
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