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.
A gentleman considers what is right; the vulgar consider what will pay.
Never hesitate to ask a lesser person.
Fine words and an insinuating appearance are seldom associated with true virtue.
In antiquity men studied for their own sake; nowadays men study for the sake of impressing others.
When prosperity comes, do not use all of it.
I am not concerned that I am not known, I seek to be worthy to be known.
Tsze-Kung asked, “Is there one word with which to act in accordance throughout a lifetime?” The Master said, “Is not reciprocity such a word? What you do not want done to yourself, do not do to others.
The wise find pleasure in water; the virtuous find pleasure in hills. The wise are active; the virtuous are tranquil. The wise are joyful; the virtuous are long-lived.
When you locate good in yourself, approve of it with determination. When you locate evil in yourself, despise it as something detestable.
All things are nourished together without their injuring one another. The courses of the seasons, and of the sun and moon, are pursued without any collision among them. The smaller energies are like river currents; the greater energies are seen in mighty transformations. It is this which makes heaven and earth so great.
If a man in the morning hear the right way, he may die in the evening without regret.
To understand yourself is the key to wisdom.
The man who moves a mountain begins by carrying away small stones.
Let the states of equilibrium and harmony exist in perfection, and a happy order will prevail throughout heaven and earth, and all things will be nourished and flourish.
There are some with whom we may study in common, but we shall find them unable to go along with us to principles. Perhaps we may go on with them to principles, but we shall find them unable to get established in those along with us. Or if we may get so established along with them, we shall find them unable to weigh occurring events along with us.
place where man laughs, sings, picks flowers, chases butterflies and pets birds, makes love with maidens, and plays with children. Here he spontaneously reveals his nature, the base as well as the noble. Here also he buries his sorrows and difficulties and cherishes his ideals and hopes. It is in the garden that men discover themselves. Indeed one discovers not only his real self but also his ideal self?he returns to his youth. Inevitably the garden is made the scene of man's merriment, escapades, romantic abandonment, spiritual awakening or the perfection of his finer self.
To prefer it is better than to only know it. To delight in it is better than merely to prefer it.
Every journey starts with a single step.
If a superior man abandon virtue, how can he fulfil the requirements of that name?
If I were travelling with two partners, one virtuous and one dishonest, both would be useful as teachers. I would perceive what's good of the first one and I would imitate him whereas I would try to correct in me the defects I may see in the second one.