Confucius Quotes are some of the most favorite quotes by people all over the world, because they impart knowledge about man’s social responsibility.Confucius was a Chinese social philosopher, whose teachings have a strong basis in common Chinese tradition and belief. He had a knack for nailing some big ideas in life and these quotes are no exception.Looking for the best Confucius quotes? We’ve compiled a list of top 60 famous Confucius quotes and sayings on life, love, failure, happiness and more.
Famous Confucius Quotes
- When you know a thing, to hold that you know it; and when you do not know a thing, to allow that you do not know it – this is knowledge.
- It is easy to hate and it is difficult to love. This is how the whole scheme of things works. All good things are difficult to achieve; and bad things are very easy to get.
- By three methods we may learn wisdom: First, by reflection, which is noblest; Second, by imitation, which is easiest; and third by experience, which is the bitterest.
- When a person should be spoken with, and you don’t speak with them, you lose them. When a person shouldn’t be spoken with and you speak to them, you waste your breath. The wise do not lose people, nor do they waste their breath.
- When we see persons of worth, we should think of equaling them; when we see persons of a contrary character, we should turn inwards and examine ourselves.
- 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 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.
- It is easy to hate and it is difficult to love. This is how the whole scheme of things works. All good things are difficult to achieve; and bad things are very easy to get.
- There are three methods to gaining wisdom. The first is reflection, which is the highest. The second is limitation, which is the easiest. The third is experience, which is the bitterest.
- In a country well governed, poverty is something to be ashamed of. In a country badly governed, wealth is something to be ashamed of.
- Old age, believe me, is a good and pleasant thing. It is true you are gently shouldered off the stage, but then you are given such a comfortable front stall as spectator.
- If I am walking with two other men, each of them will serve as my teacher. I will pick out the good points of the one and imitate them, and the bad points of the other and correct them in myself.
- When we see persons of worth, we should think of equaling them; when we see persons of a contrary character, we should turn inwards and examine ourselves.
- How to play music may be known. At the commencement of the piece, all the parts should sound together. As it proceeds, they should be in harmony while severally distinct and flowing without break, and thus on to the conclusion.
- To rule a country of a thousand chariots, there must be reverent attention to business, and sincerity; economy in expenditure, and love for men; and the employment of the people at the proper seasons.
- A youth, when at home, should be filial and, abroad, respectful to his elders. He should be earnest and truthful. He should overflow in love to all and cultivate the friendship of the good. When he has time and opportunity, after the performance of these things, he should employ them in polite studies.
- Instead of being concerned that you have no office, be concerned to think how you may fit yourself for office. Instead of being concerned that you are not known, seek to be worthy of being known.
- 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.
- To those whose talents are above mediocrity, the highest subjects may be announced. To those who are below mediocrity, the highest subjects may not be announced.
- To put the world in order, we must first put the nation in order; to put the nation in order, we must first put the family in order; to put the family in order; we must first cultivate our personal life; we must first set our hearts right.
- It is easy to hate and it is difficult to love. This is how the whole scheme of things works. All good things are difficult to achieve; and bad things are very easy to get.
- 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.
- If I am walking with two other men, each of them will serve as my teacher. I will pick out the good points of the one and imitate them, and the bad points of the other and correct them in myself.
- Old age, believe me, is a good and pleasant thing. It is true you are gently shouldered off the stage, but then you are given such a comfortable front stall as spectator.
- 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 nobler sort of man emphasizes the good qualities in others, and does not accentuate the bad. The inferior does.
- Education breeds confidence. Confidence breeds hope. Hope breeds peace.
- When it is obvious that the goals cannot be reached, don’t adjust the goals, adjust the action steps.
- Don’t complain about the snow on your neighbor’s roof when your own doorstep is unclean.
- If your plan is for one year plant rice. If your plan is for 10 years plant trees. If your plan is for 100 years educate children.
Confucius Quotes With Images
The man who says he can, and the man who says he can not… Are both correct.
Real knowledge is to know the extent of one’s ignorance.
The man who asks a question is a fool for a minute, the man who does not ask is a fool for life.
Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.
Looking at small advantages prevents great affairs from being accomplished.
We have two lives, and the second begins when we realize we only have one.
If you are the smartest person in the room, then you are in the wrong room.
The man who moves a mountain begins by carrying away small stones.
When it is obvious that the goals cannot be reached, don’t adjust the goals, adjust the action steps.
I slept and dreamt life is beauty, I woke and found life is duty.
They must often change who would remain constant in happiness and wisdom.
Don’t complain about the snow on your neighbor’s roof when your own doorstep is unclean.
A lion chased me up a tree, and I greatly enjoyed the view from the top.
The superior man is modest in his speech, but exceeds in his actions.
Be strict with yourself but least reproachful of others and complaint is kept afar.
Learn as if you were not reaching your goal and as though you were scared of missing it.
Those who cannot forgive others break the bridge over which they themselves must pass.
The superior man thinks always of virtue; the common man thinks of comfort.
The superior man acts before he speaks, and afterwards speaks according to his action.
Success depends upon previous preparation, and without such preparation there is sure to be failure.
Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.
Learning without thought is labor lost; thought without learning is perilous.
Do not impose on others what you yourself do not desire.
The superior man makes the difficulty to be overcome his first interest; success only comes later.
If you make a mistake and do not correct it, this is called a mistake.
A superior man is modest in his speech, but exceeds in his actions.
He who acts with a constant view to his own advantage will be much murmured against.

To see what is right and not to do it is want of courage, or of principle.

To know what you know and what you do not know, that is true knowledge.

I want you to be everything that’s you, deep at the center of your being.

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