Quotes About Ethics

If a man be without the virtues proper to humanity, what has he to do with music?

The Master said, I have not seen a person who loved virtue, or one who hated what was not virtuous. He who loved virtue, would esteem nothing above it. He who hated what is not virtuous, would practice virtue in such a way that he would not allow anything that is not virtuous to approach his person. Is any one able for one day to apply his strength to virtue? I have not seen the case in which his strength would be insufficient. Should there possibly be any such case, I have not seen it.

Don't worry if you have no position: worry about making yourself worthy of one. Don't worry if you aren't known and admired: devote yourself to a life that deserves admiration.

It is more shameful to distrust our friends than to be deceived by them. Confucius This is a major problem in America, where greed, power, and money are the highest value. This creates a paranoia atmosphere.I mention this all the time, but first time I have ever seen it.

A noble minded person is not an implement.

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

The Master said, Guide the people by law, aline them by punishment; they may shun crime, but they will want shame. Guide them by mind, aline them by courtesy; they will learn shame and grow good.

They will do; but they are not equal to him, who, though poor, is yet cheerful, and to him, who, though rich, loves the rules of propriety.

The noble-minded are all-encompassing, not stuck in doctrines. Little people are stuck in doctrines.

The noble-minded encourage what is beautiful in people and discourage what is ugly in them. Little people do just the opposite.

The firm, the enduring, the simple, and the modest are near to virtue.

The noble-minded have nine states of mind: for eyes, bright; for ears, penetrating; for countenance; cordial; for demeanor, humble; for words, trustworthy; for service, reverent; for doubt, questioning; for anger circumspect; and for facing a chance to profit, moral.

If a man be without the virtues proper to humanity, what has he to do with the rites of propriety? If a man be without the virtues proper to humanity, what has he to do with music?

When respect is shown according to what is proper, one keeps far from shame and disgrace.

The Master said: 'Artful speech and an ingratiating demeanour rarely accompany virtue.

He who exercises government by means of his virtue may be compared to the north polar star, which keeps its place and all the stars turn towards it.

The noble minded act before speak, then they speak according to their actions.

Aspire to the principal, behave with virtue, abide by benevolence, and immerse yourself in the arts.

The Master said, "The gentleman harmonizes [he] without being an echo. The petty man echoes [tong] and does not harmonize.

Clever talk, ingratiating looks, fawning reverence: Tso-ch'iu Ming found that shameful, and so do I. Friendly while harboring resentment: Tso-ch'iu Ming found that shameful, too, and so do I.

The gentleman is dignified but not arrogant. The small man is arrogant but not digified

If the will be set on virtue, there will be no practice of wickedness.

The superior man, in the world, does not set his mind either for anything, or against anything; what is right he will follow.

To see what's right and not do it is cowardice.