Confucius (551 BC-479 BC)

Quotes

• The essence of knowledge is, having it, to apply it; not having it, to confess your ignorance.

• It is not possible for one to teach others who cannot teach his own family.

• The superior man is modest in his speech but exceeds in his actions.

• He who merely knows right principles is not equal to him who loves them.

• 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.

• Tsze-Kung asked, saying, 'Is there one word which may serve as a rule of practice for all one's life?" The Master said, "Is not Reciprocity such a word? What you do not want done to yourself, do not do to others."

• When you see a good man, try to emulate his example, and when you see a bad man, search yourself for his faults.

• 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.

• To govern is to correct. If you set an example by being correct, who would dare remain incorrect?

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

• If a man remembers what is right at the sign of profit, is ready to lay down his life in the face of danger, and does not forget sentiments he has repeated all his life when he has been in straitened circumstances for a long time, he may be said to be a complete man.

• It is only the benevolent man who is capable of liking or disliking other men.

• In his errors a man is true to type. Observe the errors and you will know the man.

• While the gentleman cherishes benign rule, the small man cherishes his native land. While the gentleman cherishes a respect for the law, the small man cherishes generous treatment.

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

• The superior man is modest in his speech, but excels in his actions.

• Fine words and an insinuating appearance are seldom associated with true virtue.

• If a man withdraws his mind from the love of beauty, and applies it as sincerely to the love of the virtuous; if, in serving his parents, he can exert his utmost strength; if, in serving his prince, he can devote his life; if in his intercourse with his friends, his words are sincere - although men say that he has not learned, I will certainly say that he has.

• Hold faithfulness and sincerity as first principles.

• Have no friends not equal to yourself.