Quotes from Confucius

If you think in terms of a year, plant a seed; if in terms of ten years, plant trees; if in terms of 100 years, teach the people.

The superior man is firm in the right way, and not merely firm.

To be fond of learning is to be near to knowledge. To practice with vigor is to be near to magnanimity. To possess the feeling of shame is to be near to energy.

A scholar who loves comfort is not worthy of the name.

When a country is well governed, poverty and a mean condition are things to be ashamed of. When a country is ill governed, riches and honor are things to be ashamed of.

Five things constitute perfect virtue: gravity, magnanimity, earnestness, sincerity and kindness.

Recompense injury with justice, and recompense kindness with kindness.

Sincerity and truth are the basis of every virtue.

Real knowledge is to know the extent of one's ignorance.

Think no vice so small that you may commit it, and no virtue so small that you may over look it.

When music and courtesy are better understood and appreciated, there will be no war

If names are not correct, language will not be in accordance with the truth of things.

It is only the wisest and the stupidest that cannot change.

The way you cut your meat reflects the way you live.

The man of wisdom is never in two minds about right and wrong; the man of benevolence never worries about the future; the man of courage is never afraid.

Do not worry about holding high position; worry rather about playing your proper role.

"One atom of the plane where He functions would shatter the world."

A gentleman considers what is right; The vulgar consider what will pay.

Make fair agreements and stick to them.

Straightforwardness, without the rules of propriety, becomes rudeness.

Is there any one maxim which ought to be acted upon throughout one's whole life? Surely the maxim of loving kindness is such: Do not unto others what you would not they should do unto you.

Learning without thought is labor lost; and thought without learning is perilous.

In the presence of a good man, think all the time how you may learn to equal him. In the presence of a bad man, turn your gaze within!

A gentleman is ashamed to let his words outrun his deeds.