Authors: A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

100 Enlightening Quotes By Confucius That Will Change Your Life

Famous As: Chinese Philosopher and Political Theorist
Born On: 551 BC
Died On: April 11, 479
Born In: Lu, Shandong, China
Died At Age: 72
Confucius was an influential Chinese philosopher, teacher, editor and politician known for his popular aphorism and for his models of social interaction. His ideas have influenced the civilisation of East Asia. Interestingly, much unlike other philosophers or teachers, Confucius’ life was plain, simple and real. He believed in the fact that every human being has in him what it needs to become an awe-inspiring sage or learned man. Wisdom, he believed, was inherent to human nature. Confucius insisted that human beings are teachable, improvable, and perfectible through personal and communal endeavour, which would lead them on road to wisdom and glory. His philosophies emphasized personal and governmental morality, correctness of social relationships, justice and sincerity. He put to pen most of his beliefs and thoughts that have today converted into classic Chinese texts. In his life, Confucius came up with great many quotes that have ever since, guided human beings to lead a better life. His quotes cover a wide variety of subjects, right from self-realisation to knowledge, life and living to wisdom and learning, time and history to love and friendship, anger management and so on. Explore this section and get inspired from the exquisite collection of quotes by Confucius.
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.

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.

Confucius
Wheresoever you go, go with all your heart.

Wheresoever you go, go with all your heart.

Confucius
Everything has beauty, but not everyone sees it.

Everything has beauty, but not everyone sees it.

Confucius
It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop.

It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop.

Confucius
He who knows all the answers has not been asked all the questions.

He who knows all the answers has not been asked all the questions.

Confucius
If you make a mistake and do not correct it, this is called a mistake.

If you make a mistake and do not correct it, this is called a mistake.

Confucius
Life is really simple, but we insist on making it complicated.

Life is really simple, but we insist on making it complicated.

Confucius
The man who moves a mountain begins by carrying away small stones.

The man who moves a mountain begins by carrying away small stones.

Confucius
The funniest people are the saddest ones

The funniest people are the saddest ones

Confucius
Study the past if you would define the future.

Study the past if you would define the future.

Confucius
Before you embark on a journey of revenge, dig two graves.

Before you embark on a journey of revenge, dig two graves.

Confucius
Wherever you go, go with all your heart.

Wherever you go, go with all your heart.

Confucius
To be wronged is nothing, unless you continue to remember it.

To be wronged is nothing, unless you continue to remember it.

Confucius
Respect yourself and others will respect you.

Respect yourself and others will respect you.

Confucius
Silence is a true friend who never betrays.

Silence is a true friend who never betrays.

Confucius
You cannot open a book without learning something.

You cannot open a book without learning something.

Confucius
Attack the evil that is within yourself, rather than attacking the evil that is in others.

Attack the evil that is within yourself, rather than attacking the evil that is in others.

Confucius
What the superior man seeks is in himself; what the small man seeks is in others.

What the superior man seeks is in himself; what the small man seeks is in others.

Confucius
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.

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
The man who asks a question is a fool for a minute, the man who does not ask is a fool for life.

The man who asks a question is a fool for a minute, the man who does not ask is a fool for life.

Confucius
I hear and I forget. I see and I remember. I do and I understand.

I hear and I forget. I see and I remember. I do and I understand.

Confucius
Music produces a kind of pleasure which human nature cannot do without.

Music produces a kind of pleasure which human nature cannot do without.

Confucius
It is not the failure of others to appreciate your abilities that should trouble you, but rather your failure to appreciate theirs.

It is not the failure of others to appreciate your abilities that should trouble you, but rather your failure to appreciate theirs.

Confucius
The way out is through the door. Why is it that no one will use this method?

The way out is through the door. Why is it that no one will use this method?

Confucius
The man of wisdom is never of two minds;
the man of benevolence never worries;
the man of courage is never afraid.

The man of wisdom is never of two minds; the man of benevolence never worries; the man of courage is never afraid.

Confucius
The gem cannot be polished without friction, nor man perfected without trials.

The gem cannot be polished without friction, nor man perfected without trials.

Confucius
The hardest thing of all is to find a black cat in a dark room, especially if there is no cat.

The hardest thing of all is to find a black cat in a dark room, especially if there is no cat.

Confucius
Give a bowl of rice to a man and you will feed him for a day. Teach him how to grow his own rice and you will save his life.

Give a bowl of rice to a man and you will feed him for a day. Teach him how to grow his own rice and you will save his life.

Confucius
Only the wisest and stupidest of men never change.

Only the wisest and stupidest of men never change.

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

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

Confucius
And remember, no matter where you go, there you are.

And remember, no matter where you go, there you are.

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

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

Confucius
If what one has to say is not better than silence, then one should keep silent.

If what one has to say is not better than silence, then one should keep silent.

Confucius
Hold faithfulness and sincerity as first principles.

Hold faithfulness and sincerity as first principles.

Confucius
Forget injuries, never forget kindnesses.

Forget injuries, never forget kindnesses.

Confucius
When it is obvious that the goals cannot be reached, don't adjust the goals, adjust the action steps.

When it is obvious that the goals cannot be reached, don't adjust the goals, adjust the action steps.

Confucius
Better a diamond with a flaw than a pebble without.

Better a diamond with a flaw than a pebble without.

Confucius
A lion chased me up a tree, and I greatly enjoyed the view from the top.

A lion chased me up a tree, and I greatly enjoyed the view from the top.

Confucius
Do unto others what you want done unto you.

Do unto others what you want done unto you.

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

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

Confucius
In a country well governed, poverty is something to be ashamed of. In a country badly governed, wealth is something to be ashamed of.

In a country well governed, poverty is something to be ashamed of. In a country badly governed, wealth is something to be ashamed of.

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

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

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

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

Confucius
Time flows away like the water in the river.

Time flows away like the water in the river.

Confucius
If your plan is for one year plant rice. If your plan is for ten years plant trees. If your plan is for one hundred years educate children.

If your plan is for one year plant rice. If your plan is for ten years plant trees. If your plan is for one hundred years educate children.

Confucius
To be wealthy and honored in an unjust society is a disgrace.

To be wealthy and honored in an unjust society is a disgrace.

Confucius
The superior man thinks always of virtue; the common man thinks of comfort.

The superior man thinks always of virtue; the common man thinks of comfort.

Confucius
Shall I teach you what knowledge?
When you know a thing, say that you know it;
when you do not know a thing,
admit that you do not know it.
That is knowledge

Shall I teach you what knowledge? When you know a thing, say that you know it; when you do not know a thing, admit that you do not know it. That is knowledge

Confucius
Don’t complain about the snow on your neighbor’s roof when your own doorstep is unclean.

Don’t complain about the snow on your neighbor’s roof when your own doorstep is unclean.

Confucius
The beginning of wisdom is to call things by their proper name.

The beginning of wisdom is to call things by their proper name.

Confucius
When a wise man points at the moon the imbecile examines the finger.

When a wise man points at the moon the imbecile examines the finger.

Confucius
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.

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.

Confucius
Consideration for others is the basis of a good life, a good society.

Consideration for others is the basis of a good life, a good society.

Confucius
Have no friends not equal to yourself.

Have no friends not equal to yourself.

Confucius
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.”
(Analects 4.9)

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.” (Analects 4.9)

Confucius
Without knowing the force of words, it is impossible to know more.

Without knowing the force of words, it is impossible to know more.

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

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

Confucius
The nobler sort of man emphasizes the good qualities in others, and does not accentuate the bad. The inferior does.

The nobler sort of man emphasizes the good qualities in others, and does not accentuate the bad. The inferior does.

Confucius
Never give a sword to a man who can't dance.

Never give a sword to a man who can't dance.

Confucius
The Man who says he can, and the man who says he can not.. Are both correct

The Man who says he can, and the man who says he can not.. Are both correct

Confucius
The superior man is modest in his speech, but exceeds in his actions.

The superior man is modest in his speech, but exceeds in his actions.

Confucius
The Master said, “A true teacher is one who, keeping the past alive, is also able to understand the present.”
(Analects 2.11)

The Master said, “A true teacher is one who, keeping the past alive, is also able to understand the present.” (Analects 2.11)

Confucius
Roads were made for journeys not destinations

Roads were made for journeys not destinations

Confucius
Those who know the TRUTH are not equal to those who love it.

Those who know the TRUTH are not equal to those who love it.

Confucius
The strength of a nation derives from the integrity of the home.

The strength of a nation derives from the integrity of the home.

Confucius
The Master said, “If your conduct is determined solely by considerations of profit you will arouse great resentment.

The Master said, “If your conduct is determined solely by considerations of profit you will arouse great resentment.

Confucius
The noble-minded are calm and steady. Little people are forever fussing and fretting.

The noble-minded are calm and steady. Little people are forever fussing and fretting.

Confucius
Worry not that no one knows you; seek to be worth knowing.

Worry not that no one knows you; seek to be worth knowing.

Confucius
By nature, men are nearly alike; by practice, they get to be wide apart.

By nature, men are nearly alike; by practice, they get to be wide apart.

Confucius
The Master said, “The gentleman understands what is right, whereas the petty man understands profit.”
(Analects 4.16)

The Master said, “The gentleman understands what is right, whereas the petty man understands profit.” (Analects 4.16)

Confucius
Behind every smile there's teeth.

Behind every smile there's teeth.

Confucius
No lake so still but it has its wave.
No circle so perfect but that it has its blur.
I would change things for you if I could; As I can't you must take them as they are.

No lake so still but it has its wave. No circle so perfect but that it has its blur. I would change things for you if I could; As I can't you must take them as they are.

Confucius
True wisdom is knowing what you don't know

True wisdom is knowing what you don't know

Confucius
Settle one difficulty, and you keep a hundred away.

Settle one difficulty, and you keep a hundred away.

Confucius
If you look into your own heart, and you find nothing wrong there, what is there to worry about? What is there to fear?

If you look into your own heart, and you find nothing wrong there, what is there to worry about? What is there to fear?

Confucius
Knowledge is merely brilliance in organization of ideas and not wisdom. The truly wise person goes beyond knowledge.

Knowledge is merely brilliance in organization of ideas and not wisdom. The truly wise person goes beyond knowledge.

Confucius
If one should desire to know whether a kingdom is well governed, if its morals are good or bad, the quality of its music will furnish the answer.

If one should desire to know whether a kingdom is well governed, if its morals are good or bad, the quality of its music will furnish the answer.

Confucius
Ignorance is the night of the mind, but a night without moon or star.

Ignorance is the night of the mind, but a night without moon or star.

Confucius
We have two lives, and the second begins when we realize we only have one.

We have two lives, and the second begins when we realize we only have one.

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

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

Confucius
Fix your mind on truth, hold firm to virtue, rely on loving kindness, and find your recreation in the Arts.

Fix your mind on truth, hold firm to virtue, rely on loving kindness, and find your recreation in the Arts.

Confucius
A common man marvels at uncommon things. A wise man marvels at the commonplace.

A common man marvels at uncommon things. A wise man marvels at the commonplace.

Confucius
The superior man understands what is right; the inferior man understands what will sell.

The superior man understands what is right; the inferior man understands what will sell.

Confucius
One joy dispels a hundred cares.

One joy dispels a hundred cares.

Confucius
When the wind blows,the grass bends.

When the wind blows,the grass bends.

Confucius
You will never know how sharp a sword is unless it's drawn from its sheath

You will never know how sharp a sword is unless it's drawn from its sheath

Confucius
Be not ashamed of mistakes and thus make them crimes.

Be not ashamed of mistakes and thus make them crimes.

Confucius
If you don't want to do something,don't impose on others

If you don't want to do something,don't impose on others

Confucius
Faced with what is right, to leave it undone shows a lack of courage.

Faced with what is right, to leave it undone shows a lack of courage.

Confucius
A youth is to be regarded with respect. How do we know that his future will not be equal to our present?

A youth is to be regarded with respect. How do we know that his future will not be equal to our present?

Confucius
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.

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
He Who Knows And Knows That He Knows Is A Wise Man - Follow Him;
He Who Knows Not And Knows Not That He Knows Not Is A Fool - Shun Him

He Who Knows And Knows That He Knows Is A Wise Man - Follow Him; He Who Knows Not And Knows Not That He Knows Not Is A Fool - Shun Him

Confucius
Learn as if you were not reaching your goal and as though you were scared of missing it

Learn as if you were not reaching your goal and as though you were scared of missing it

Confucius
If there were one word that could act as a standard of conduct for one's entire life, perhaps it would be 'thoughtfulness.

If there were one word that could act as a standard of conduct for one's entire life, perhaps it would be 'thoughtfulness.

Confucius
The way of the superior person is threefold; virtuous, they are free from anxieties; wise they are free from perplexities; and bold they are free from fear.

The way of the superior person is threefold; virtuous, they are free from anxieties; wise they are free from perplexities; and bold they are free from fear.

Confucius
We take greater pains to persuade others that we are happy than in endeavoring to think so ourselves

We take greater pains to persuade others that we are happy than in endeavoring to think so ourselves

Confucius
The Essence of Knowledge is, having it, to use it.

The Essence of Knowledge is, having it, to use it.

Confucius
He who who says he can and he who says he can’t are both usually right

He who who says he can and he who says he can’t are both usually right

Confucius
They must often change who would remain constant in happiness and wisdom.

They must often change who would remain constant in happiness and wisdom.

Confucius
The scholar does not consider gold and jade to be precious treasures, but loyalty and good faith.

The scholar does not consider gold and jade to be precious treasures, but loyalty and good faith.

Confucius