Confucius (551 BC-479 BC)

Quotes

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

• 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. Looking at small advantages prevents great affairs from being accomplished.

• Humankind differs from the animals only by a little, and most people throw that away.

• Before you embark on a journey of revenge, dig two graves.

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

• Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in getting up every time we do.

• While you are not able to serve men, how can you serve spirits [of the dead]?...While you do not know life, how can you know about death?

• He who will not economize will have to agonize.

• When anger rises, think of the consequences.

• Forget injuries, never forget kindnesses.

• Be not ashamed of mistakes and thus make them crimes.

• To see what is right, and not to do it, is want of courage or of principle.

• 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.

• Wheresoever you go, go with all your heart.

• When we see men of a contrary character, we should turn inwards and examine ourselves.

• It does not matter how slowly you go so long as you do not stop.

• A man who has committed a mistake and doesn't correct it, is committing another mistake.

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

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

• I hear and I forget.
  I see and I believe.
  I do and I understand.