Confucius (/kənˈfjuːʃəs/ kən-FEW-shəs; 551 BC – 479 BC) was a Chinese teacher, editor, politician, and philosopher of the Spring and Autumn period of Chinese history.
If an urn lacks the characteristics of an urn, how can we call it an urn?
I want you to be everything that's you, deep at the center of your being.
I have yet to meet a man as fond of high moral conduct as he is of outward appearances.
If you want to change the world, first change your heart.
Humankind differs from the animals only by a little and most people throw that away.
When it is obvious that the goals cannot be reached, don't adjust the goals, adjust the action steps.
A gentleman, in his plans, thinks of the Way; he does not think how he is going to make a living. Even farming sometimes has a shortage; and even learning may incidentally bring a salary. A gentleman is concerned with the progress of the Way; he is not anxious about poverty.
Sincerity is the way of heaven.
Heaven gives long life to the just and the intelligent.
Wisdom delights in water; love delights in hills. Wisdom is stirring; love is quiet. Wisdom is merry; love grows old.
The Essence of Knowledge is, having it, to use it.
Guide the people by law, subdue them by punishment; they may shun crime, but will be void of shame. Guide them by example, subdue them by courtesy; they will learn shame, and come to be good.
The wheel of fortune turns round incessantly, and who can say to himself, I shall today be uppermost.
The strength of a nation derives from the integrity of the home.
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.
If you would govern a state of a thousand chariots, you must pay strict attention to business, be true to your word, be economical in expenditure and love the people.
As the water shapes itself to the vessel that contains it, so a wise man adapts himself to circumstances.
The superior man cannot be known in little matters, but he may be entrusted with great concerns. The small man may not be entrusted with great concerns, but he may be known in little matters.
The funniest people are the saddest once
The man who asks a question is a fool for a minute, the man who does not ask is a fool for life.