Notable Quotes

CONFUCIUS QUOTES Confucius (551 B.C. - 479 B.C.) ancient Chinese philosopher

Of all that Heaven produces and nourishes, there is none so great as man. CONFUCIUS, The Wisdom of Confucius Ceremonies are the first thing to be attended to in the practice of government. CONFUCIUS, The Wisdom of Confucius

From the loving example of one family a whole State may become loving, and from its courtesies, courteous; while from the ambition and perverseness of the one man the whole State may be thrown into rebellious disorder. Such is the nature of influence. CONFUCIUS, The Wisdom of Confucius

A youth is to be regarded with respect. How do we know that his future will not be equal to our present? CONFUCIUS, The Wisdom of Confucius

When a country is well governed, poverty and a mean condition are something to be ashamed of. When a country is ill governed, riches and honors are something to be ashamed of. CONFUCIUS, The Wisdom of Confucius

It cannot be when the root is neglected that what springs from it will be well ordered. CONFUCIUS, The Wisdom of Confucius

The virtuous will be sure to speak uprightly; but those whose speech is upright may not be virtuous. CONFUCIUS, The Wisdom of Confucius

Man is born for uprightness. If a man lose his uprightness and yet live, his escape from death is mere good fortune. CONFUCIUS, The Wisdom of Confucius

The sun and moon shine on all without partiality. CONFUCIUS, The Wisdom of Confucius

The inner nature of man is the province of music. CONFUCIUS, The Wisdom of Confucius

There is good government when those who are near are made happy, and when those who are afar are attracted. CONFUCIUS, The Wisdom of Confucius

The superior man, while his parents are alive, reverently nourishes them; and, when they are dead, reverently sacrifices to them. His thought to the end of his life is how not to disgrace them. CONFUCIUS, The Wisdom of Confucius

If a man be under the influence of anger his conduct will not be correct. CONFUCIUS, The Wisdom of Confucius Sincerity is the way of heaven. CONFUCIUS, The Wisdom of Confucius

Fine words and an insinuating appearance are seldom associated with virtue. CONFUCIUS, The Wisdom of Confucius Virtue is more to a man than either water or fire. I have seen men die from treading on water and fire, but I have never seen a man die from treading the course of virtue. CONFUCIUS, The Wisdom of Confucius

Virtue is not left to stand alone. He who practices it will have neighbors. CONFUCIUS, The Wisdom of Confucius

The small man thinks that small acts of goodness are of no benefit, and does not do them; and that small deeds of evil do no harm, and does not refrain from them. Hence, his wickedness becomes so great that it cannot be concealed, and his guilt so great that it cannot be pardoned. CONFUCIUS, The Wisdom of Confucius

When you have faults, do not fear to abandon them. CONFUCIUS, The Wisdom of Confucius

By the ruler's cultivation of his own character there is set up the example of the course which all should pursue. CONFUCIUS, The Wisdom of Confucius

When superiors are fond of showing their humanity, inferiors try to outstrip one another in their practice of it. CONFUCIUS, The Wisdom of Confucius

The scholar does not consider gold and jade to be precious treasures, but loyalty and good faith. CONFUCIUS, The Wisdom of Confucius

He who keeps danger in mind will rest safely in his seat. CONFUCIUS, The Wisdom of Confucius

Have no friends not equal to yourself. CONFUCIUS, The Wisdom of Confucius

It was by music that the ancient kings gave elegant expression to their joy. By their armies and axes they gave the same to their anger. CONFUCIUS, The Wisdom of Confucius

Although your father and mother are dead, if you propose to yourself any good work, only reflect how it will make their names illustrious, and your purpose will be fixed. CONFUCIUS, The Wisdom of Confucius

Everything has its beauty, but not everyone sees it. CONFUCIUS

source: Confucius - a biography.