Confucius Quotes: A common man marvels at uncommon things. A wise man marvels at the commonplace. A gentleman would be ashamed should his deeds not match his words. A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.
Confucius become a Chinese philosopher, instructor, and political discern who lived from 551 to 479 BCE. He is taken into consideration as one of the most influential thinkers in Chinese history, and his teachings have had a profound impact on the Chinese way of life and society.
Confucius’s philosophy is based on the standards of ren (benevolence), li (ritual), and Zhong Yong (the golden suggestion). Ren is the distinctive feature of human kindness and compassion, even as li is the exercise of proper etiquette and social conduct. Zhongyong is the principle of finding balance and moderation in all matters.
Confucius Quotes
A lion chased me up a tree, and I greatly enjoyed the view from the top.” – Confucius
A man who does not plan long ahead will find trouble right at his door.” – Confucius
A man who has committed a mistake and doesn’t correct it is committing another mistake.” – Confucius
A superior man is modest in his speech but exceeds in his actions.” – Confucius
A youth is to be regarded with respect. How do you know that his future will not be equal to our present?” – Confucius
Ability will never catch up with the demand for it.” – Confucius
Acquire new knowledge whilst thinking over the old, and you may become a teacher of others.” – Confucius
Act with kindness, but do not expect gratitude.” – Confucius
All people are the same; only their habits differ.” – Confucius
Anyone can find the switch after the lights are on.” – Confucius
Be not ashamed of mistakes and thus make them crimes.” – Confucius
Be strict with yourself but least reproachful of others and complaint is kept afar.” – Confucius
Before you embark on a journey of revenge, dig two graves.” – Confucius
Behave toward everyone as if receiving a great guest.” – Confucius
Better a diamond with a flaw than a pebble without.” – Confucius
Boldness, without the rules of propriety, becomes insubordination.” – Confucius
By nature, men are nearly alike; by practice, they get to be wide apart.” – Confucius
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.” – Confucius
Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.” – Confucius
Death and life have their determined appointments; riches and honors depend upon heaven.” – Confucius
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Do not be desirous of having things done quickly. Do not look at small advantages. Desire to have things done quickly prevents their being done thoroughly.” – Confucius
Do not do to others what you do not want done to yourself.” – Confucius
Do not impose on others what you yourself do not desire.” – Confucius
Do not worry about holding high position; worry rather about playing your proper role.” – Confucius
Don’t complain about the snow on your neighbor’s roof when your own doorstep is unclean.” – Confucius
Education breeds confidence. Confidence breeds hope. Hope breeds peace.” – Confucius
Everything has its beauty, but not everyone sees it.” – Confucius
confucius quotes on education
Faced with what is right, to leave it undone shows a lack of courage.” – Confucius
Faithfulness and sincerity are the highest things.” – Confucius
Fine words and an insinuating appearance are seldom associated with true virtue.” – Confucius
Forget injuries, never forget kindnesses.” – Confucius
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.” – Confucius
Go before the people with your example, and be laborious in their affairs.” – Confucius
Have no friends not equal to yourself.” – Confucius
He that would perfect his work must first sharpen his tools.” – Confucius
He who acts with a constant view to his own advantage will be much murmured against.” – Confucius
He who conquers himself is the mightiest warrior.” – Confucius
He who excels in study can follow an official career.” – Confucius
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.” – Confucius
He who knows all the answers has not been asked all the questions.” – Confucius
He who learns but does not think is lost! He who thinks but does not learn is in great danger.” – Confucius
He who speaks without modesty will find it difficult to make his words good.” – Confucius
He who will not economize will have to agonize.” – Confucius
He with whom neither slander that gradually soaks into the mind, nor statements that startle like a wound in the flesh, are successful may be called intelligent indeed.” – Confucius
Hold faithfulness and sincerity as first principles.” – Confucius
Humility is the solid foundation of all the virtues.” – Confucius
I am not concerned that I am not known, I seek to be worthy to be known.” – Confucius
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.” – Confucius
I hear and I forget. I see and I remember. I do and I understand.” – Confucius
I slept and dreamt life is beauty, I woke and found life is duty.” – Confucius
I want you to be everything that’s you, deep at the center of your being.” – Confucius
If a man takes no thought about what is distant, he will find sorrow near at hand.” – Confucius
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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.” – Confucius
If we don’t know life, how can we know death?” – Confucius
If you are the smartest person in the room, then you are in the wrong room.” – Confucius
If you don’t want to do something, don’t impose on others.” – Confucius
If you look into your own heart, and you find nothing wrong there, what is there to worry about? What is there to fear?” – Confucius
If you make a mistake and do not correct it, this is called a mistake.” – Confucius
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.” – Confucius
If your plan is for one year plant rice. If your plan is for 10 years plant trees. If your plan is for 100 years educate children.” – Confucius
confucius quotes about life
Ignorance is the night of the mind, but a night without moon and star.” – Confucius
Imagination is more important than knowledge.” – Confucius
In a country well-governed, poverty is something to be ashamed of. In a country badly governed, wealth is something to be ashamed of.” – Confucius
Isn’t it a pleasure to study and practice what you have learned?” – Confucius
Isn’t it also great when friends visit from distant places? If one remains not annoyed when he is not understood by people around him, isn’t he a sage?” – Confucius
It does not matter how slowly you go, so long as you do not stop.” – Confucius
It is better to light one small candle than to curse the darkness.” – Confucius
It is easy to hate and it is difficult to love. This is how the whole scheme of things works. All good things are difficult to achieve; and bad things are very easy to get.” – Confucius
It is more shameful to distrust our friends than to be deceived by them.” – Confucius
It is not possible for one to teach others who cannot teach his own family.He who excels in study can follow an official career.” – Confucius
It is only the wisest and the stupidest that cannot change.” – Confucius
Learn advidly. Question it repeatedly. Analyze it carefully. Then put what you have learned into practice intelligently.” – Confucius
Learn as if you were not reaching your goal and as though you were scared of missing it.” – Confucius
Learn as though you would never be able to master it; hold it as though you would be in fear of losing it.” – Confucius
Learning without thought is labor lost; thought without learning is perilous.” – Confucius
Life is really simple, but we insist on making it complicated.” – Confucius
Looking at small advantages prevents great affairs from being accomplished.” – Confucius
Mankind differs from the animals only by a little and most people throw that away.” – Confucius
Men’s natures are alike, it is their habits that carry them far apart.” – Confucius
Music produces a kind of pleasure which human nature cannot do without.” – Confucius
Never contract friendship with a man that is not better than thyself.” – Confucius
Never do to others what you would not like them to do to you.” – Confucius
Never give a sword to a man who can’t dance.” – Confucius
No matter how busy you make think you are you must find time for reading, or surrender yourself to self-chosen ignorance.” – Confucius
One joy dispels a hundred cares.” – Confucius
Only the wisest and stupidest of men never change.” – Confucius
Our greatest glory is not in never falling but in rising every time we fall.” – Confucius
Real knowledge is to know the extent of one’s ignorance.” – Confucius
Recompense injury with justice, and recompense kindness with kindness.” – Confucius
Respect yourself and others will respect you.” – Confucius
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Review the old and deducing the new makes a teacher.” – Confucius
Roads were made for journeys not destinations.” – Confucius
Silence is the true friend that never betrays.” – Confucius
Sincerity and truth are the basis of every virtue.” – Confucius
Study the past if you would define the future.” – Confucius
Success depends upon previous preparation, and without such preparation there is sure to be failure.” – Confucius
The cautious seldom err.” – Confucius
The essence of knowledge is, having it, to apply it not having it, to confess your ignorance.” – Confucius
The expectations of life depend upon diligence; the mechanic that would perfect his work must first sharpen his tools.” – Confucius
The father who does not teach his son his duties is equally guilty with the son who neglects them.” – Confucius
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.” – Confucius
The firm, the enduring, the simple, and the modest are near to virtue.” – Confucius
The funniest people are the saddest ones.” – Confucius
The gem cannot be polished without friction, nor man perfected without trial.” – Confucius
The journey with a 1000 miles begins with one step.” – Confucius
The man who asks a question is a fool for a minute, the man who does not ask is a fool for life.” – Confucius
The man who says he can, and the man who says he can’t are both correct.” – Confucius
The more man meditates upon good thoughts, the better will be his world and the world at large.” – Confucius
The nobler sort of man emphasizes the good qualities in others, and does not accentuate the bad. The inferior does.” – Confucius
The object of the superior man is truth.” – Confucius
The parents age must be remembered, both for joy and anxiety.” – Confucius
The people may be made to follow a path of action, but they may not be made to understand it.” – Confucius
The perfecting of one’s self is the fundamental base of all progress and all moral development.” – Confucius
The real fault is to have faults and not amend them.” – Confucius
The scholar who cherishes the love of comfort is not fit to be deemed a scholar.” – Confucius
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The strength of a nation derives from the integrity of the home.” – Confucius
The superior man acts before he speaks, and afterwards speaks according to his action.” – Confucius
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.” – Confucius
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.” – Confucius
The superior man is modest in his speech, but exceeds in his actions.” – Confucius
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The superior man makes the difficulty to be overcome his first interest; success only comes later.” – Confucius
The superior man thinks always of virtue; the common man thinks of comfort.” – Confucius
The superior man understands what is right; the inferior man understands what will sell.” – Confucius
The superior man, when resting in safety, does not forget that danger may come. When in a state of security he does not forget the possibility of ruin. When all is orderly, he does not forget that disorder may come. Thus his person is not endangered, and his States and all their clans are preserved.” – Confucius
The wheel of fortune turns round incessantly, and who can say to himself, I shall today be uppermost.” – Confucius
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.” – Confucius
There are three things to beware of through life: when a man is young, let him beware of his appetites; when he is middle-aged, of his passions; and when old, of covetousness, especially.” – Confucius
They must change who would be constant in happiness and wisdom.” – Confucius
They must often change who would remain constant in happiness and wisdom.” – Confucius
Things that are done, it is needless to speak about…things that are past, it is needless to blame.” – Confucius
Think no vice so small that you may commit it, and no virtue so small that you may over look it.” – Confucius
Think of tomorrow, the past can’t be mended.” – Confucius
Those who cannot forgive others break the bridge over which they themselves must pass.” – Confucius
Those who know the truth are not equal to those who love it.” – Confucius
To be able to practice five things everywhere under heaven constitutes perfect virtue…They are gravity, generosity of soul, sincerity, earnestness, and kindness.” – Confucius
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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.” – Confucius
To be wronged is nothing, unless you continue to remember it.” – Confucius
To go beyond is as wrong as to fall short.” – Confucius
To know what you know and what you do not know, that is true knowledge.” – Confucius
To love a thing means wanting it to live.” – Confucius
To put the world in order, we must first put the nation in order; to put the nation in order, we must put the family in order; to put the family in order, we must cultivate our personal life; and to cultivate our personal life, we must first set our hearts right.” – Confucius
To see and listen to the wicked is already the beginning of wickedness.” – Confucius
To see the right and not to do it is cowardice.” – Confucius
To see what is right, and not to do it, is want of courage or of principle.” – Confucius
Virtue is more to man than either water or fire. I have seen men die from treading on water and fire, but I have never seen a man die from treading the course of virtue.” – Confucius
Virtue is not left to stand alone. He who practices it will have neighbors.” – Confucius
Virtuous people often revenge themselves for the constraints to which they submit by the boredom which they inspire.” – Confucius
We have two lives, and the second begins when we realize we only have one.” – Confucius
We should feel sorrow, but not sink under its oppression.” – Confucius
We take greater pains to persuade others that we are happy than in endeavoring to think so ourselves.” – Confucius
Wealth and rank are what people desire, but unless they be obtained in the right way they may not be possessed.” – Confucius
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What the superior man seeks is in himself; what the small man seeks is in others.” – Confucius
What you do not want done to yourself, do not do to others.” – Confucius
When a man’s knowledge is sufficient to attain, and his virtue is not sufficient to enable him to hold, whatever he may have gained, he will lose again.” – Confucius
When a person should be spoken with, and you don’t speak with them, you lose them. When a person shouldn’t be spoken with and you speak to them, you waste your breath. The wise do not lose people, nor do they waste their breath.” – Confucius
When anger rises, think of the consequences.” – Confucius
When I walk along with two others, from at least one I will be able to learn.” – Confucius
When it is obvious that the goals cannot be reached, don’t adjust the goals; adjust the action steps.” – Confucius
When prosperity comes, do not use all of it.” – Confucius
When we see men of a contrary character, we should turn inwards and examine ourselves.” – Confucius
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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.” – Confucius
When you are laboring for others let it be with the same zeal as if it were for yourself.” – Confucius
When you have faults, do not fear to abandon them.” – Confucius
When you know a thing, to hold that you know it; and when you do not know a thing, to allow that you do not know it – this is knowledge.” – Confucius
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.” – Confucius
When you see a worthy person, endeavor to emulate him. When you see an unworthy person, then examine your inner self.” – Confucius
Wheresoever you go, go with all your heart.” – Confucius
Wherever you go, go with all your heart.” – Confucius
Wisdom, compassion, and courage are the three universally recognized moral qualities of men.” – Confucius
With coarse rice to eat, with water to drink, and my bended arm for a pillow – I have still joy in the midst of these things. Riches and honors acquired by unrighteousness are to me as a floating cloud.” – Confucius
Without an acquaintance with the rules of propriety, it is impossible for the character to be established.” – Confucius
Without feelings of respect, what is there to distinguish men from beasts?” – Confucius
Without knowing the force of words, it is impossible to know men.” – Confucius
Worry not that no one knows of you; seek to be worth knowing.” – Confucius
You are what you think.” – Confucius
You cannot open a book without learning something.” – Confucius
Your life is what your thoughts make it.” – Confucius
Conclusion
The information of Confucius’s charges maintains to resonate with humanity, presenting guidance for navigating the complexities of modern-day existence. From the importance of non-stop studying and humility to the cost of moral conduct and powerful management, his teachings stay applicable throughout cultures and generations. By incorporating these insights into our lives, we can try for non-public growth, significant relationships, and greater harmonious society.
FAQs
Who was Confucius?
Confucius was an ancient Chinese philosopher, educator, and political figure known for his profound teachings.
Why are Confucius’s quotes still relevant?
Confucius’s quotes offer timeless wisdom on topics such as learning, ethics, leadership, and relationships, making them applicable to various aspects of life.
What is the significance of the Golden Rule in Confucius’s teachings?
A3: The Golden Rule reflects Confucius’s emphasis on empathy and ethical behavior, serving as a foundation for positive interactions.
