Quotes from Confucius

You must find time for reading, or surrender yourself to self-chosen ignorance.

Gentlemen should not waste their time on trivial games -- they should play go[3]

There has never been a man mean and at the same time virtuous.

An oppressive government is more to be feared than a tiger.

To learn and from time to time to apply what one has learned - isn't that a pleasure?

How transcendent is the virtue of the middle conduct! Rare for a long time has been its practice among the people.

The man who asks a question is a fool for a minute, the man who does not ask is a fool for life.

A superior man is modest in his speech, but exceeds in his actions.

Recompense injury with justice, and recompense kindness with kindness.

The sun and moon shine on all without partiality.

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

Do not worry about not holding high position; worry rather about playing your proper role. Worry not that no one knows of you; seek to be worth knowing.

A man who does not think and plan long ahead will find trouble right at his door.

The perfecting of one's self is the fundamental base of all progress and all moral development.

To see and listen to the wicked is already the beginning of wickedness.

Don't be concerned about others not appreciating you. Be concerned about your not appreciating others.

When we see persons of worth, we should think of equaling them; when we see persons of a contrary character, we should turn inwards and examine ourselves.

There is one single thread binding my way together...the way of the Master consists in doing one's best...that is all.

The superior person gathers his weapons together in order to provide against the unforeseen.

I want you to be everything that's you, deep at the center of your being.

It cannot be when the root is neglected that what springs from it will be well ordered.

Wisdom delights in water; love delights in hills. Wisdom is stirring; love is quiet. Wisdom is merry; love grows old.

He who requires much from himself and little from others, will keep himself from being the object of resentment.

He who remembers from day to day what he has yet to learn, and from month to month what he has learned already, may be said to have a love of learning.