Philosophical Sayings
422 sayings found from the Ancient era
Life is really simple, but we insist on making it complicated.
If you make a mistake and do not correct it, this is called a mistake.
What you do not want done to yourself, do not do to others.
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.
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.
If the mechanic wishes to do his work well, he must first sharpen his tools.
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.
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 follo…
The gentleman understands integrity; the petty person knows about profit.
Is humanity far away? Whenever I want the virtue of humanity, it comes at once.
The gentleman concerns himself with the Way; he does not worry about his salary.
When he eats, the gentleman does not seek to stuff himself. In his home he does not seek luxury. He is diligent in his work and cautious in his speech. He associates with those who possess the Way, and thereby rectifies himself. He may be considered …
First he behaves properly and then he speaks, so that his words follow his actions.
The gentleman reveres three things. He reveres the mandate of Heaven; he reveres great people; and he reveres the words of sages.
To be wealthy and honored in an unjust society is a disgrace.
When the wind blows, the grass bends.
Fix your mind on truth, hold firm to virtue, rely on loving kindness, and find your recreation in the Arts.
The superior man has a dignified ease without pride. The mean man has pride without a dignified ease.
Be strict with yourself but least reproachful of others and complaint is kept afar.
The scholar who cherishes the love of comfort is not fit to be deemed a scholar.