Quotes from Confucius

He who conquers himself is the mightiest warrior.

The more man meditates upon good thoughts, the better will be his world and the world at large.

Words are the voice of the heart.

To acknowledge our faults when we are blamed, is modesty; to discover them to one's friends in ingenuousness, is confidence; but to preach them to all the world, if one does not take care, is pride.

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

The superior man makes the difficulty to be overcome his first interest success comes only later.

The superior man does not, even for the space of a single meal, act contrary to virtue. In moments of haste, he cleaves to it. In seasons of danger, he cleaves to it.

Virtue is not left to stand alone. He who practices it will have neighbors.

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

Silence is the true friend that never betrays.

It is more shameful to distrust our friends than to be deceived by them.

Desire to have things done quickly prevents their being done thoroughly.

Do not impose on others what you yourself do not desire.

The gentleman desires to be halting in speech but quick in action.

Don't let your past determine your destiny.

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.

Education breeds confidence. Confidence breeds hope. Hope breeds peace.

The will to win, the desire to succeed, the urge to reach your full potential... these are the keys that will unlock the door to personal excellence.

The faults of a superior person are like the sun and moon. They have their faults, and everyone sees them; they change and everyone looks up to them.

Things that are done, it is needless to speak about...things that are past, it is needless to blame.

There are three unfilial acts: the greatest of these is the failure to produce sons.

When a nation or family is about to flourish, there are sure to be happy omens; and when it is about to perish, there are sure to be unlucky omens.

The father who does not teach his son his duties is equally guilty with the son who neglects them.

There are three marks of a superior man: being virtuous, he is free from anxiety; being wise, he is free from perplexity; being brave, he is free from fear.