Confucius

Chinese philosopher, founder of Confucianism

Ancient influential 143 sayings

Sayings by Confucius

Respect yourself and others will respect you.

c. 551-479 BCE — From a teaching on self-respect
Philosophical Unverifiable

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.

c. 551-479 BCE — From a teaching on self-improvement through observation
Philosophical Unverifiable

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

c. 551-479 BCE — From a teaching on self-cultivation
Philosophical Unverifiable

Silence is a true friend who never betrays.

c. 551-479 BCE — From a teaching on the value of silence
Philosophical Unverifiable

You cannot open a book without learning something.

c. 551-479 BCE — From a teaching on the value of reading
Philosophical Unverifiable

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.

c. 551-479 BCE — From a teaching on methods of learning
Philosophical Unverifiable

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

c. 551-479 BCE — From a teaching on perseverance
Philosophical Unverifiable

Everything has beauty, but not everyone sees it.

c. 551-479 BCE — From a teaching on perception
Philosophical Unverifiable

Wheresoever you go, go with all your heart.

c. 551-479 BCE — From a teaching on dedication
Philosophical Unverifiable

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

c. 551-479 BCE — From a teaching on the limits of knowledge
Philosophical Unverifiable

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

c. 551-479 BCE — From a teaching on perseverance and incremental progress
Philosophical Unverifiable

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

c. 551-479 BCE — From a teaching on simplicity
Philosophical Unverifiable

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

c. 551-479 BCE — From a teaching on learning from errors
Philosophical Unverifiable

What you do not want done to yourself, do not do to others.

c. 551-479 BCE — From the Analects (15.24), known as the 'Silver Rule'
Philosophical Unverifiable

He who exercises government by means of his virtue may be compared to the North Star, which keeps its place and all the stars turn towards it.

c. 551-479 BCE — From the Analects (2.1), on virtuous leadership
Philosophical Unverifiable

In a state governed by the Way, poverty and low station are cause for shame; in a state bereft of the Way, wealth and high rank are cause for shame.

c. 551-479 BCE — From a teaching on governance and morality (Analects 8.13)
Philosophical Unverifiable

If the mechanic wishes to do his work well, he must first sharpen his tools.

c. 551-479 BCE — From a teaching on preparation and diligence (Analects 15.10)
Philosophical Unverifiable

Humanity is more important for people than water or fire. I have seen people walk through water and fire and die. I have never seen someone tread the path of humanity and perish.

c. 551-479 BCE — From a teaching on the supreme value of humanity
Philosophical Unverifiable

Riches and honors are the things people desire; but if one obtains them by not following the Way, then one will not be able to hold them. Poverty and low position in society are the things that people hate; but if one can avoid them only by not following the Way, then one should not avoid them.

c. 551-479 BCE — From a teaching on wealth, poverty, and the Way
Philosophical Unverifiable

The gentleman understands integrity; the petty person knows about profit.

c. 551-479 BCE — From a teaching on the contrast between the gentleman and the petty person
Philosophical Unverifiable