Confucius quotes

Confucius (551-479 BCE) was an influential Chinese philosopher and teacher, widely regarded as the father of Confucianism. His teachings emphasized the importance of moral values, social harmony, and the cultivation of personal character. Renowned for his wisdom, he believed in the power of education to uplift individuals and society. Confucius promoted ethical behavior, respect for elders, and the virtues of filial piety. His philosophy greatly influenced Chinese culture, politics, and education systems, leaving a lasting impact even to this day. Confucianism became an integral part of Chinese society, shaping the moral fabric and values of the nation. Confucius' legacy as a sage and a thinker lives on, inspiring people around the world with his timeless teachings.

He who conquers himself is the mightiest warrior

- 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

The people may be made to follow a path of action, but they may not be made to understand it.

- Confucius

To love a thing means wanting it to live.

- Confucius

Do everything in moderation, even moderation.

- Confucius

Fix your mind on truth, hold firm to virtue, rely on loving kindness, and find your recreation in the arts.

- Confucius

Care not for want of place; care for thy readiness to fill one.

- Confucius

Isn't it a pleasure to study and practice what you have learned? 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

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

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

- Confucius

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

- Confucius

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

- Confucius

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

- Confucius

The superior man makes the difficulty to be overcome his first interest; success only comes later.

- Confucius

Life is really simple, but we insist on making it complicated.

- Confucius

Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.

- Confucius

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

- Confucius

The object of the superior man is truth.

- Confucius

When anger rises, think of the consequences.

- Confucius

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

- Confucius

An oppressive government is more to be feared than a tiger.

- Confucius

Do not impose on others what you yourself do not desire.

- Confucius

And remember, no matter where you go, there you are.

- Confucius

He who learns but does not think, is lost! He who thinks but does not learn is in great danger.

- Confucius

Wisdom, compassion, and courage are the three universally recognized moral qualities of men.

- Confucius

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

- 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

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

- Confucius

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

- Confucius

The superior man understands what is right; the inferior man understands what will sell.

- Confucius