Quotes About Ethics

The superior man thinks always of virtue; the common man thinks of comfort.

He who searches for evil, must first look at his own reflection.

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

Don't do unto others what you don't want done unto you.

In a country well governed, poverty is something to be ashamed of. In a country badly governed, wealth is something to be ashamed of.

To see what is right and not do it is the worst cowardice.

The Master said, "A true gentleman is one who has set his heart upon the Way. A fellow who is ashamed merely of shabby clothing or modest meals is not even worth conversing with." (Analects 4.9)

Tzu Chang asked Confucius about jen. Confucius said, If you can practice these five things with all the people, you can be called jen. Tzu Chang asked what they were. Confucius said, Courtesy, generosity, honesty, persistence, and kindness. If you are courteous, you will not be disrespected; if you are generous, you will gain everything. If you are honest, people will rely on you. If you are persistent you will get results. If you are kind, you can employ people.

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

The Master said, "If your conduct is determined solely by considerations of profit you will arouse great resentment.

The superior man understands what is right; the inferior man understands what will sell.

If one should desire to know whether a kingdom is well governed, if its morals are good or bad, the quality of its music will furnish the answer.

The Master said, "The gentleman understands what is right, whereas the petty man understands profit." (Analects 4.16)

The way of the superior person is threefold; virtuous, they are free from anxieties; wise they are free from perplexities; and bold they are free from fear.

Never contract friendship with a man that is not better than thyself.

Faced with what is right, to leave it undone shows a lack of courage.

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

To be able under all circumstances to practice five things constitutes perfect virtue; these five things are gravity, generosity of soul, sincerity, earnestness and kindness.

Without feelings of respect, what is there to distinguish men from beasts?

He who speaks without modesty will find it difficult to make his words good.

The superior man has a dignified ease without pride. The mean man has pride without a dignified ease.

Virtue is never left to stand alone. He who has it will have neighbors.

People with virtue must speak out; People who speak are not all virtuous.

I followed my heart without breaking any rules.