Quotes from Confucius, The Analects

What can a man do with music who is not benevolent?

If you look at their intentions, examine their motives, and scrutinize what brings them contentment – how can people hide who they are? How can they hide who they really are?

The wise never doubt. The Humane never worry. The brave never fear.

Never give a sword to a man who can't dance.

When the wind blows, the grass bends.

If I raise one corner for someone and he cannot come back with the other three, I do not go on.

To be wealthy and honored in an unjust society is a disgrace.

A legendary horse is praised not for its strength, but for its Integrity.

Don't grieve when people fail to recognize your ability. Grieve for your lack of ability instead.

When everyone hates a person, you should investigate thoroughly, and when everyone loves a person, you should also investigate thoroughly.

Am I a man of great wisdom? Hardly! Even when a simple person brings me a question, my mind goes utterly blank, I just thrash it out until I've exhausted every possibility.

Lord Chi Wen thought three times before taking any action. When the Master heard this, he said: Twice is plenty enough.

If a craftsman wants to do good work, he must first sharpen his tools.

If you expect great things of yourself and demand little of others, you'll keep resentment far away.

A noble minded person is not an implement.

In worthy teaching, all things are related.

How can you love people without encouraging them? And how can you be loyal to people without educating them.