We take greater pains to persuade others that we are happy than in endeavoring to think so ourselves.
—Confucius
When you see a worthy person, endeavor to emulate him. When you see an unworthy person, then examine your inner self.
—Confucius
Topics: Service
Wisdom, compassion, and courage are the three universally recognized moral qualities of men.
—Confucius
Topics: Compassion, Character, Wisdom
To know what we know what we know, and that we do not know what we do not know, that is true knowledge.
—Confucius
Topics: Knowledge
The virtuous man is driven by responsibility; the non-virtuous man is driven by profit.
—Confucius
Topics: Virtue
The wheel of fortune turns round incessantly, and who can say to himself, “I shall to-day be uppermost.”
—Confucius
Wheresoever you go, go with all your heart.
—Confucius
Topics: God, One liners
There are three things which the superior man guards against. In youth … lust. When he is strong … quarrelsomeness. When he is old … covetousness.
—Confucius
No matter where you go — there you are.
—Confucius
The superior man is aware of Righteousness, the inferior man is aware of advantage.
—Confucius
Topics: Character
Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.
—Confucius
Topics: Love, Society, Work, Jobs
Everything has its beauty but not everyone sees it.
—Confucius
Topics: Beauty, Virtues
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.
—Confucius
Topics: Virtue, Virtues, Kindness
The superior man does not set his mind either for anything, or against anything; what is right he will follow.
—Confucius
Topics: Truth
For one word a man is deemed wise and for one word he is deemed foolish. We should be careful indeed what we say.
—Confucius
Topics: Wisdom
Men’s natures are alike, it is their habits that carry them far apart.
—Confucius
The essence of knowledge is, having it, to apply it; not having it, to confess your ignorance.
—Confucius
Topics: Knowledge, Ignorance
Reviewing what you have learned and learning anew, you are fit to be a teacher.
—Confucius
Topics: Knowledge, Learning
Person who chases two rabbits catches neither.
—Confucius
Men’s natures are alike; it is their habits that separate them.
—Confucius
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, see to the worthy of being known.
—Confucius
He who conquers others is strong; he who conquers himself is mighty.
—Confucius
Topics: Self-Control
Better a diamond with a flaw than a pebble without.
—Confucius
Topics: Proverbs, Failure, Mistakes, Perfection
When you see a good person, think of becoming like her/him. When you see someone not so good, reflect on your own weak points.
—Confucius
A man who has committed a mistake and doesn’t correct it is committing another mistake.
—Confucius
Topics: Failure, Failures, Mistakes
To be wronged or robbed is nothing unless you continue to remember it.
—Confucius
Topics: Mistakes, Anger, Attitude, Forgiveness
To know is to know that you know nothing. That is the meaning of true knowledge.
—Confucius
Topics: Knowledge, Meaning
The superior man acts before he speaks, and afterwards speaks according to his action.
—Confucius
You can cheat an honest man but you can not make a fool out of him.
—Confucius
A man who does not think and plan long ahead will find trouble right at his door.
—Confucius
Topics: Planning
To see what is right, and not do it, is want of courage, or of principle.
—Confucius
Topics: Character, Perception, Success, Courage
When things are investigated, then true knowledge is achieved; when true knowledge is achieved, then the will becomes sincere; when the will is sincere, then the heart is set right ; when the heart is set right, then the personal life is cultivated; when the personal life is cultivated, then the family life is regulated; when the family life is regulated, then the national life is orderly; and when the national life is orderly, then there is peace in this world.
—Confucius
Study the past, if you would define the future.
—Confucius
Topics: Time, Past, Future, The Past
Mankind differs from the animals only by a little and most people throw that away.
—Confucius
Topics: Animals
Wondering Whom to Read Next?
Zhuang Zhou Chinese Taoist Philosopher
Laozi Chinese Philosopher
Jianzhi Sengcan Chinese-Buddhist Monk
Sun Tzu Chinese Military Leader
Lin Yutang Chinese Author, Philologist
Socrates Ancient Greek Philosopher
Pythagoras Greek Philosopher
Heraclitus Ancient Greek Philosopher
Cicero Roman Philosopher
Lucretius Roman Epicurean Philosopher